LSUS CANNABIS COURSE- The legal cannabis industry is considered one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. Medical-marijuana has become legal in many states and there is growing support for legalizing recreational use as more states are considering proposals to allow legal cannabis sales for regular consumption just like alcoholic beverages. But there are many other uses for cannabis other than medicinal or recreational consumption. There’s cannabis hemp fiber which can be used in everything from rope and textile manufacturing, clothing, shoes, food, paper, bioplastics, insulation, and biofuel. Analysts predict that the legal cannabis industry could be worth as much as $24 billion dollars in 2021. A new course called: “Careers in Cannabis” is being offered through LSU-Shreveport’s Continuing Education. The instructor is Jim Cardelli, a local entrepreneur with a biochemistry research background who has launched several biotech companies.
"I know the science side, I know the business side and many people wanting to get into this market might not be familiar with either side," Cardelli said. "Hopefully they will get a dose of science that they will understand and they recognize the potential opportunities in this whole area that's growing exponentially; it's one of the fastest-growing industry in the world."
According to Cardelli, there are only a small number of legal growers in Louisiana and most of the state focus has been on a handful of dispensaries for medical marijuana. But Cardelli says there is a large untapped market and strong demand for cannabis products. And with the recent economic downturn and job layoffs due to the coronavirus pandemic – people may consider this business if they can learn more about it.
"We're hoping this high-altitude information will pique the interest of enough people that they will consider a new career or a side-job career in the cannabis industry," Cardelli said.
The “Careers in Cannabis” will be 8 courses to begin in February and run over a 4 week period. Classrooms will be both in-person and virtual. It will be a discussion format with cannabis experts and will offer an overview of the industry including workforce development as there are currently three canna-tech companies currently operating in Northwest Louisiana. To learn more about the “Careers In Cannabis” Course you can contact LSU-Shreveport’s Continuing Education Department. The website is ce.lsus.edu. If the class if full, you can ask to be put on a waitlist as other classes may be offered depending on demand.
CONTACT: LSUS CONTINUING EDUCATION: (318) 798-4177
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