Plant the Seeds for a Career with a Cannabis Certificate
The cannabis and hemp production certificate of specialization (CS) at St. Louis Community College provides an introduction to the knowledge and practices used in the cannabis and hemp industries. The program focuses on plant production, industry standards and regulatory considerations tied to working with industrial hemp.
Designed for students exploring careers in this growing field, the certificate supports entry-level employment and offers a foundation for continued education or career growth in cannabis, hemp and related agricultural areas.
What is the Cannabis and Hemp Production Program at St. Louis Community College?
The cannabis and hemp production program teaches students how cannabis and hemp plants are grown, managed and processed using industrial hemp. The program follows state and federal laws and focuses on skills used in today’s cannabis and hemp industries.
Students learn how plants grow through each stage of the life cycle, including vegetative and flowering phases. Coursework covers plant health, production planning, greenhouse practices and pest management. Students also learn how to measure cannabinoid levels and identify possible chemical contaminants.
The program introduces several extraction and processing methods, including solvent-based, solventless and modern techniques. Students learn how different cannabis and hemp products are created using laboratory-based processes.
What Can You Do with a Cannabis and Hemp Production Certificate?
This certificate helps students prepare for entry-level work in the cannabis and hemp industry. Graduates gain skills that support daily operations in licensed facilities and related workplaces.
With this certificate, you may work in areas such as:
- Plant growth and cultivation.
- Greenhouse and grow room operations.
- Product processing and manufacturing support.
- Quality control and compliance support.
- Dispensary and retail operations.
These roles often involve assisting with plant care, monitoring production processes, following safety and regulatory guidelines and supporting teams that produce and sell cannabis and hemp products.
For students who want to continue learning, this certificate can also serve as a foundation for further education or career advancement in agriculture, horticulture or cannabis-related fields.
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 $122 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?