Wisconsin’s Cannabis Education Gains Traction: UW-Platteville at the Forefront

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville is emerging as a key player in cannabis education, offering certificate programs designed to prepare students for careers in a booming industry. Despite cannabis remaining illegal in Wisconsin, the state’s shifting attitudes and the industry’s national growth are driving momentum in academic programs.

Education Amidst a Changing Legal Landscape

UW-Platteville began offering cannabis certificate programs in 2020, partnering with Green Flower, a leading cannabis industry training provider. Recently, enrollment in these programs has surged, reflecting a growing interest in the field.

Green Flower CEO Max Simon emphasized the importance of cannabis education in an evolving market. “The overall stigma of cannabis has dramatically subsided and has been replaced by an industry that people support and get value from,” Simon said.

Simon highlighted the speed at which state cannabis laws are changing, noting that even in states like Wisconsin, progress can happen rapidly. Wisconsin remains one of 19 states where cannabis possession can lead to jail time, and it is one of just 11 states without a comprehensive medical cannabis program. However, these legal barriers haven’t stopped interest in the industry from growing.

A Closer Look at UW-Platteville’s Cannabis Programs

UW-Platteville offers four cannabis-related certificate programs, each targeting a specific aspect of the industry:

• Cannabis Healthcare & Medicine: Focuses on medical applications of cannabis, ideal for healthcare professionals and those entering the medicinal cannabis field.
• Cannabis Agriculture & Horticulture: Teaches cultivation techniques and agricultural practices, catering to those interested in growing cannabis.
• The Business of Cannabis: Covers the commercial side, including entrepreneurship, marketing, and supply chain management.
• Cannabis Compliance & Risk Management: Prepares students to navigate regulatory frameworks, ensuring businesses operate within legal guidelines.

These programs are conducted entirely online, featuring lectures, reading assignments, and assessments. Facilitators are available to support students, providing a comprehensive and accessible learning experience.

National Collaboration and Industry Growth

Green Flower, which collaborates with 60 colleges and universities nationwide, is focused on making cannabis education a standard in higher education. Simon believes these partnerships are key to preparing a skilled workforce for a rapidly expanding industry.

“The cannabis industry offers incredible opportunities for entrepreneurship and leadership,” Simon said. “Our programs are helping people position themselves as future leaders in this space.”

The industry’s evolution has also inspired interest beyond UW-Platteville. For example, UW-Madison previously offered an online course on the medicinal use of cannabinoids, though it won’t be available in Spring 2025, according to the program’s website.

Bridging the Gap in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin lags behind other states in cannabis legalization, education initiatives like UW-Platteville’s are laying the groundwork for future opportunities. Students completing these programs will be well-positioned to take advantage of careers in neighboring states where cannabis is legal or prepare for changes in Wisconsin’s own legislation.

The Marijuana Policy Project notes that Wisconsin’s cannabis laws are among the strictest in the nation. However, shifting public opinion and the success of cannabis programs in states like Illinois and Michigan could pave the way for change.