Plant the Seeds for a Career with a Cannabis Certificate
The cannabis and hemp production certificate of specialization (CS) at St. Louis Community College introduces you to the science and practices behind cannabis and hemp cultivation. You’ll explore plant growth, production methods, industry standards and regulatory considerations related to industrial hemp.
This program is designed for students interested in emerging agricultural careers and provides the foundational skills needed for entry-level opportunities in cannabis, hemp and related industries. The certificate can also support continued education and career growth in plant science, horticulture and other agricultural fields.
What is the Cannabis and Hemp Production Program at St. Louis Community College?
The cannabis and hemp production program at STLCC introduces students to the science and practices behind growing, managing and processing cannabis and hemp plants. The program focuses on industrial hemp production while emphasizing industry standards, safety practices and regulations that guide this growing field.
You’ll learn how plants develop through each stage of the life cycle, including vegetative and flowering phases. Coursework covers:
- Plant health.
- Production planning.
- Greenhouse practices.
- Pest management.
- Methods used to monitor plant quality.
The program also explores cannabinoid testing, chemical contaminant identification and extraction and processing methods, including solvent-based, solventless and other modern techniques. Through this training, you’ll gain an understanding of how cannabis and hemp products are developed using scientific and laboratory-based processes.
What Can You Do with a Cannabis and Hemp Production Certificate?
The cannabis and hemp production certificate prepares you for entry-level opportunities in the growing cannabis and hemp industry. You’ll develop foundational skills that support plant production, processing, quality control and daily operations in licensed facilities and related workplaces.
Graduates may find opportunities in areas such as plant cultivation, greenhouse and grow room operations, product processing, manufacturing support, quality control, compliance support and dispensary or retail operations. These roles may involve caring for plants, monitoring production processes, following safety and regulatory guidelines and supporting teams that develop cannabis and hemp products.
This program can also serve as a foundation for continued education or career growth in agriculture, horticulture and related plant science fields. Students can pair this certificate with STLCC’s horticulture programs, including associate degree and certificate options, to expand their plant science knowledge and prepare for additional career opportunities in the agricultural industry.
CS in Cannabis and Hemp Production
- Degree offered: Certificate of specialization
- Locations: Meramec
- Hours to complete: 13
- Program contact: Jerry Pence
- Program contact email: jpence@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $127 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Related Programs
At STLCC, you can combine this certificate with a horticulture associate degree or certificate.
Why You Should Choose Cannabis and Hemp Production at STLCC
Graduate with Little or No Debt
Save over $4,700 per year with tuition that’s one-third lower than other local institutions. We’ll also help you navigate scholarship options and financial aid.
Professional Faculty and Staff
STLCC has experienced and passionate horticulture professors and staff from the green industry who help students land great jobs.
Hands-on Learning
STLCC Meramec's 10-acre outdoor Garden Classroom and state-of-the-art facilities give horticulture students hands-on experience in all aspects of the field.
Business Networking
STLCC's horticulture program partners with local businesses and organizations to give students real-world experience and knowledge of the latest trends and strategies.
STLCC. What's your reason?