Grow your career.
Build the skills and confidence needed for a career in cannabis retail.
Moraine Valley’s Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate prepares you to mitigate risks for cannabis businesses and company employees by demonstrating how to safely and compliantly sell cannabis to patients and customers, as well as protocol for handling the complex situations that arise in a cannabis retail operation. The legalization of marijuana is causing a large employment growth in the cannabis dispensary industry. This certificate will make you marketable with the skills required to seek entry-level employment in the licensed medical or adult-use cannabis industry.
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Let Your Dreams Take Root
Maximize your employment opportunities by earning a certificate that is a blend of business, technical, cannabis law and regulations.
A Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate allows you to start a career in the growing, new cannabis industry in as little as two semesters. Be prepared for employment as a retail specialist, budtender, store manager, operations associate, operations lead, assistant dispensary manager/dispensary manager or retail inventory manager.
The Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in about one year.
This program is designed to provide students with employment or advancement opportunities in a licensed retail cannabis dispensary. Subjects taught focus on the skills and core competencies defined by the industry as most relevant for success. Coursework consists of a blend of business, technical and cannabis-related topics so the student can effectively interact with and serve customers in a retail environment. Students seeking employment in this industry must be 21 years or older, comply with Illinois Department of 好色先生 and Professional Regulation requirements for the Medical and/or Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Agent Identification Card(s) and consent to a fingerprint-based criminal history record information background check as required by state law.
Students seeking employment in this industry must be 21 years or older, comply with Illinois Department of 好色先生 and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requirements for the Medical and/or Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Agent Identification Card(s) and consent to fingerprint-based criminal history record check as required by state law.
This course is not eligible for Title IV funds.
Students can inquire about a private loan with a financial aid counselor, explore scholarships or make payment arrangements.
Illinois job growth is expected to continue to 63,000 cannabis-related jobs in the future.
Entry-level wages are typically $15-$17 per hour. Some companies offer full benefits and stock options for full-time employees. (Abdel Jimenez. 鈥淐ompanies are Recruiting Employees for the Start of Recreational Marijuana Sales in Illinois.鈥� Chicago Tribune, 16 October 2019).
The credit Cannabis Retail Program is offered at the Palos Hills campus and the Southwest Education Center in Tinley Park.
Potential careers in Cannabis Retail
Moraine Valley鈥檚 Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate prepares you to mitigate risks for cannabis businesses and company employees by demonstrating how to safely and compliantly sell cannabis to patients and customers, as well as protocol for handling the complex situations that arise in a cannabis retail operation.
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Anni Rasmussen
Program Coordinator
The Addictions Studies Program is more than just a career path鈥攊t鈥檚 an opportunity to truly impact lives. Addiction affects individuals, families and entire communities, creating a growing need for skilled and compassionate professionals. In this program, you鈥檒l gain a strong understanding of the full continuum of care, effective treatment approaches and how to support people on their journey to recovery. Join us and start building a meaningful and rewarding future for all.
Faculty with real-world experience.
Your instructors don鈥檛 just teach the material, they鈥檝e worked in the field. With experience in counseling, treatment programs, and community outreach, they bring real examples and practical knowledge into every class. You鈥檒l learn what to expect and how to prepare for your first role in the field.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | 1503 | Business |
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