MONTGOMERY, Ala. [WSFA] - Alabama State University (ASU) is making significant strides in cannabis education by launching three new certification programs aimed at preparing students for careers in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry. These new offerings build on the momentum of the university’s initial five cannabis certification programs, which were introduced in August 2024 and have already drawn considerable interest from students and professionals.
“We probably receive more calls about our cannabis program than any other program we are running,” said Mia Williams, Director of Continuing Education at ASU. The demand, she notes, reflects a growing recognition of cannabis as a legitimate industry with real career potential.
The courses are delivered online in partnership with a leading cannabis education provider and are designed to offer flexibility while maintaining a high standard of academic and practical training. Topics include cannabis cultivation, business operations, product marketing, and legal compliance—areas that are essential for those seeking to enter or advance within the industry. Max Simon, CEO of the curriculum provider, highlighted that the program is designed not only to educate but also to reshape outdated perceptions. “You are seeing that this is a product that people agree is safer and healthier than alcohol,” Simon said, noting the shift in public sentiment surrounding cannabis.
ASU’s program is particularly notable because it makes the university the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Alabama to offer a comprehensive cannabis education initiative. It reflects both the school’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to providing students with opportunities in emerging industries.
With similar cannabis education programs now offered at 60 schools in 27 states, ASU joins a growing movement to integrate cannabis studies into mainstream higher education. This expansion not only boosts ASU’s academic profile but also underscores the importance of preparing the next generation of professionals for roles in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. economy.
