Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate of Achievement

This Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate of Achievement prepares workers for careers linked to cannabis horticulture related occupations such as:

• Grower / Horticulturist / Cultivation technician

• Propagator

• Trimmer / Post-Harvest Specialist 

This program combines classroom learning and hands-on skill development in labs, fieldwork, and field trips. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in basic horticultural principles, plant biology and physiology, outdoor and greenhouse cannabis cultivation, and cannabis genetics; industry standard skills and practices related to safe work practices and ergonomics, and resume-writing and interview skills.

To qualify for the Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate of Achievement students must complete all of the required courses, totaling a minimum of 16.5 units to a maximum of 17.5 units.

Program Learning Outcomes for the Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate:

Students who receive a Certificate will be able to:

1. Apply cannabis biology, physiology, and plant nutrition knowledge to cannabis cultivation practices.  

2. Use various horticulture tools safely and properly sterilize tools. 

3. Build healthy soil and mix organic container media optimized for cannabis production.

4. Propagate and maintain cannabis plants through vegetative growth and flowering. 

5. Apply cannabis Integrated Pest Management (IPM) treatments. 

6. Apply harvesting and post-harvest handling best practices.

Annual Completer Projections - 20

This Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate of Achievement prepares workers for careers linked to entry-level cannabis cultivation related occupations such as Grower / Horticulturist / Cultivation technician, Propagator, and Trimmer / Post-Harvest Specialist. This program combines classroom learning and hands-on skill development in labs, fieldwork, and field trips. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in basic horticultural principles, cannabis plant biology and physiology, outdoor and greenhouse cannabis cultivation, and cannabis genetics; industry standard skills and practices related to safe work practices and ergonomics; and resume-writing and interview skills.

To qualify for the Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate of Achievement students must complete all of the required courses, totaling a minimum of 16.5 units to a maximum of 17.5 units. 

As required by CTE student outcomes, this program will increase enrollment for the Merritt College Horticulture Department, increase the number of students who earn degrees, credentials, certificates or specific skill sets to prepare them for an in-demand job, and reduce equity gaps across all of the above measures through faster improvements among traditionally underrepresented student groups.

This program was developed in consulation with local and regional employers to develope a curriculum that provides strong basic skills and hands on learning for cannabis/horticulture employees. This program was developed to be completed in one calendar year over the course of two semesters so that students can quickly gain the training and skills they need to succeed in this emerging industry. 

Course of study includes cannabis cultivation, pruning, harvesting, environmetally friendly pest control methods and other relevant skills. 

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