HACC to Launch Green Flower Newly Updated Cannabis Certificate Programs

OG article by HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College,

December 16, 2025

HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, in partnership with Green Flower, the leading provider of cannabis education, has announced the launch of a new suite of online cannabis career certificate programs. These updated programs feature contributions from over 50 cannabis industry leaders and subject matter experts, offering refreshed course content, accessible pricing, and comprehensive career support through Green Flower’s dedicated Cannabis Career Resource Center. The initiative aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to start or advance careers in the rapidly growing cannabis sector. The suite comprises six specialized online programs, each tailored to high-demand job sectors within the industry: 1. Cannabis Associate Certificate: Builds foundational knowledge in cannabis policy, plant science, industry sectors, and essential compliance practices. 2. Cannabis Cultivation Specialist: Prepares participants for roles in indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse cultivation environments, covering best practices and techniques. 3. Cannabis Product Development Specialist: Focuses on creating cannabis products from extraction processes to finished goods, including concentrates, edibles, beverages, and topicals. 4. Cannabis Retail and Sales Specialist: Provides in-depth product knowledge, sales strategies, and operational best practices for dispensary and brand sales positions. 5. Cannabis Compliance Specialist: Trains individuals to oversee and manage compliance requirements across cultivation, retail, and manufacturing operations. 6. Medical Cannabis Specialist: Equips learners to guide safe and effective cannabis use in patient-focused settings, such as clinics and dispensaries. Every enrollee in these certificate programs gains access to the Cannabis Career Resource Center, which includes a Continuing Education Hub offering résumé building, interview preparation, leadership development, and resources for cannabis entrepreneurship. Additionally, it connects users to vetted cannabis employers actively hiring and fosters networking through an exclusive LinkedIn community for students and alumni. Max Simon, CEO and Founder of Green Flower, highlighted that these certificates are designed to align precisely with the skills employers seek in each sector. Leslie Boon, HACC’s executive dean of the School of Liberal Arts, emphasized how the programs deliver practical skills for Pennsylvania’s medical cannabis industry, helping students differentiate themselves and secure employment opportunities. The inaugural cohort is set to begin on January 13, 2026, with new program start dates available every eight weeks thereafter to accommodate diverse schedules.