Growth of medical cannabis created need for further education
BeLeaf Medical is a proud partner of Saint Louis University’s School for Professional Studies (SPS) in the development of the University’s Cannabis Science and Operations certificate. Established in 2020, the program is designed to educate students in all aspects of the cannabis industry and understanding of the pharmacological properties of cannabis.
In 2018, Missourians voted to legalize cannabis for medical use. Since then, medical cannabis manufacturing and dispensary licenses have been awarded across the state, including 70 in the St. Louis area.
“Legalized cannabis is poised to be a $150 billion industry by 2025,” said Tracy Chapman, Ph.D., dean of SLU’s School for Professional Studies. “In addition to Missouri, thousands of jobs are being created across the country, resulting in an emerging need for educated employees to support and sustain this rapidly growing industry.”
SLU’s certificate program is the first of its kind in the state and is taught by industry professionals as well as experienced SLU faculty. The program addresses all aspects of the medical cannabis industry, including cultivation, manufacturing, dispensing, plant science, compliance, and operations. In just eight months, the program has enrolled approximately 300 students from 35 states and Puerto Rico and is continuing to grow. The inaugural cohort of students will graduate this summer.
“Partnering with a highly respected University like SLU provides quality education and preparation of employees, those seeking to start a career and those seeking to advance their career in the industry. There are numerous career opportunities in the cannabis space, and demand for talent increases every day, both at the state and national level. A certificate from an exceptional educational institution such as SLU provides great benefit to cannabis owners across the country,” said Mitch Meyers, CEO of BeLeaf Medical. “An educated workforce for this new, expanding industry is very important to startup and growing businesses. We sat down with Dean Chapman and her team in 2019 to discuss this plan, share our expertise and we have been involved with curriculum and planning ever since.”
About BeLeaf Medical: BeLeaf Medical Company is a leader in the medical cannabis industry in the state of Missouri. With our years of experience in several states, we are able to deliver the best cannabis flower and manufactured products to market. We have curated the highest quality genetics of popular flower strains. Our cultivation facilities utilize high-tech proven methods to grow the highest quality medical cultivars. BeLeaf Medical products are specifically formulated with medical conditions in mind. To ensure a consistently high-quality product we employ strict Good Manufacturing Practices. BeLeaf Medical Dispensaries offer a wide variety of products and a knowledgeable staff to help customers find the best solutions.
About the School for Professional Studies at Saint Louis University: Classes in the School for Professional Studies are typically offered in accelerated eight-week sessions and are designed for busy adults with affordable tuition rates as well as convenient, online classes. In Saint Louis University’s tradition of excellence, the School for Professional Studies caters to students with adult life circumstances so they can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Certificate programs from globally-recognized SLU.
