– Karina Hernandez, a biology graduate, has returned to school at the St. Louis Community College to study horticulture
– She discovered the college now offers cannabis programs, reflecting Missouri’s growing cannabis industry
– Other Missouri colleges are following suit, preparing students for “green jobs”
An Unexpected Growth in Missouri’s Green Economy
Ever noticed how a simple plant could steer an entire economy? That’s what’s happening in Missouri. One might not expect to find a booming cannabis industry in the heartland of America, but Missouri is out to surprise.
Take Karina Hernandez for example. She’s a biologist, yet she decided to go back to classes for horticulture at St. Louis Community College at Meramec. Why, you might ask? Well, it’s not just about plants and dirt. It’s about the “green jobs” generated by the blossoming cannabis industry that piqued her interest.
Green Jobs: Not Just About Gardening
At first glance, one might think green jobs are all about dirt, plants, and gardening. But Missouri’s largest horticulture program proves there’s more to it. It’s diversifying, now offering cannabis programs, and other colleges in Missouri are following suit.
These institutes are preparing students for a variety of roles ranging from botanists to researchers, business strategists, and marketing experts in the ever-growing cannabis realm. With this ambitious step, Missouri is embracing the idea of green jobs beyond conventional notions, aligning itself with the multi-billion dollar industry.
The Breezy Take
The fact that a so-called “non-traditional” industry is growing in what many consider to be the traditional heartland of America is a sign of progressive times. The evolution of Missouri’s colleges to include cannabis programs is a nod to shifts in economic and societal norms. The state recognizes the potential of the “green jobs” market and is preparing its students to capitalize on the opportunity. It’s a clever move that puts Missouri on the map, a new frontier in the cannabis industry. So here’s to the Show-Me state showing us all how to tap into the greener side of business.
Original article: https://missouriindependent.com/2023/09/18/missouri-colleges-expand-cannabis-programs-to-prepare-students-for-green-jobs/
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