Since the COVID-19 era shutdowns swept the nation, California’s cannabis industry has experienced seismic shifts—from a scramble for compliant operations to a surging demand for knowledgeable, credentialed professionals. In response, Green Flower, a pioneering cannabis certification company based in San Diego, has partnered with Cal State East Bay to launch an intensive, six-month online certification program designed to bridge critical workforce gaps. Recently, the program welcomed its newest cohort, aiming to equip students with both foundational plant science and specialized industry skills—from cultivation and product development to regulatory compliance and clinical research.
One of the most inspiring students in this latest cohort is Gina O’Hara of Pacifica. For three decades, Gina built her career as a consultant and technical writer in the traditional pharmaceutical world. Yet, when medical cannabis finally gained legal status in California, her curiosity about its therapeutic potential sparked a bold pivot. “I was always fascinated by the way the plant interacts with the body,” she explains. “When legalization opened the door, I wanted to understand it from the ground up.”
Gina discovered Green Flower’s partnership with Cal State East Bay and immediately enrolled. The program’s first modules dive deep into cannabis botany, physiology, and pharmacology, ensuring every student understands the plant’s intricate chemistry and its effects on human health. From there, participants choose specializations in areas like agriculture, medicine, or product development. Upon completion, they leave not just with a certificate—proudly displayed on Gina’s wall—but with the confidence and network to enter a rapidly evolving field.
California’s cannabis market is sizable yet volatile. A 2024 industry report noted more than 78,000 licensed cannabis jobs statewide last year, but also highlighted an 18% reduction in active licenses—driven by rising operational costs, stringent compliance mandates, and competition from unlicensed sellers. While some see this contraction as cause for alarm, Green Flower CEO Max Simon insists that it underscores the urgency for well-trained professionals. “Even amid regulatory headwinds and federal contradictions,” Simon says, “a shift toward comprehensive reform is on the horizon. When it comes, it will fundamentally transform the industry—and our students will be ready.”
Indeed, Green Flower’s alumni span diverse backgrounds—lawyers, doctors, finance specialists, and investment bankers—each integrating cannabis expertise into their existing practices. For Gina, the certification has unlocked contract opportunities in biotech and beyond. “It’s just another fascinating chapter,” she laughs. “I’m applying my thirty years of pharma experience to a brand-new arena.”
Her message to peers? It’s never too late to redefine your career. The cannabis industry, still in its adolescence, craves seasoned professionals who bring both fresh passion and proven skills. As California’s market matures, initiatives like the Cal State East Bay–Green Flower partnership will be instrumental in shaping a workforce ready to lead—wherever legalization may lead next.