Want a Career in Cannabis? LSU Shreveport Has Just the Course for You

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The medical marijuana/cannabis industry is exploding and LSU Shreveport is making sure locals have the skills needed to take advantage of it!

While recreational marijuana use is legal in several states across the country, only medicinal marijuana is legal now in Louisiana. Many feel that could and should change soon. The cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing markets today. According to BusinessNewsDaily.com, the U.S. cannabis industry is projected to reach $30 billion annually by 2025, despite the fact that it's still illegal on the federal level.

According to NORML.com, here's where Louisiana sits with regard to the legality of marijuana. They also say that Governor Edwards is opposed to the legalizing of marijuana for adult recreational use. Here's the link to the actual Louisiana legislation.

Lawmakers initially approved legislation legalizing the licensed production and distribution of medical cannabis products in 2016; in 2019 regulators finally approved some of the state’s first operational dispensaries. Governor Bel Edwards also signed into law House Bill 358, which for the first-time allows patients to obtain herbal formulations of medical cannabis.

Despite all that, pot is big business and LSU Shreveport recognizes the need for a qualified workforce in our area. They're bringing back their Careers in Cannabis course this fall. Shreveport-Bossier already has three canna-tech companies in operation at InterTech-1.

Here's what LSU Shreveport says about their program:

The five-week non-credit course will meet from October 19 through November 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. In addition, students have the option of attending both in person and via a live-streaming option for those who cannot attend in-person or are uncomfortable being in a classroom setting in the current pandemic. Topics covered by local industry experts will include growing hemp, basic plant biology, clinical research on cannabinoids, laws and regulations, and the marketing of cannabis products.

Find out more about LSU Shreveport and the courses it offers here.