Raritan Valley Community College (RVCC) in Branchburg, New Jersey will launch a certificate program on March 9, 2020 for residents interested in becoming cannabis dispensary technicians. The 15 hour non-credit bearing certificate program is designed to provide “knowledge of the legalities, the state’s guidelines and the medical implications of medical cannabis that are key to working in a medical dispensary.” in New Jersey. The RVCC certificate program is the first of its kind to be formally offered in the state. However, students who attend Stockton College are able to minor in cannabis studies under a program launched in 2018.
The curriculum will include legal status of medical cannabis in New Jersey, basics of growing, harvesting and processing and medical cannabis products currently available in the state. Additionally, it will provide an introduction into the endocannabinoid system and how this system interacts with phytocannabinoids, most notably THC and CBD found in cannabis plants. Students enrolled in the program who attend each class and past an exam at the end will receive certificates. The cost of the program is $400 but tuition waivers are available.