LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — With 127 adult-use cannabis dispensaries now operating in New York state, and more opening each month, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to rise, says SUNY Sullivan, which is launching two new microcredential programs in the field this fall.

The programs, CannaBusiness Management and CannaBusiness Marketing and Sales, aim to equip students with essential skills for entry-level positions in the cannabis industry.

The management microcredential focuses on leadership, management and business plan development for cannabis ventures. Credits can be applied to multiple SUNY Sullivan degree programs. Completing this microcredential will earn students a Cannabis Retail badge.

The marketing microcredential will provide students with the skills to create marketing and advertising plans for cannabis-related businesses. This microcredential can be stacked with SUNY Sullivan’s Business Administration AAS and Business Administration—Marketing AAS degrees, and upon completion, students will earn a Cannabis Marketing & Sales badge.

The NYS Cannabis Control Board reported more than $137 million in retail sales in 2023, indicating significant growth of the cannabis industry in New York. 

SUNY Sullivan has created this new program as it is cutting academic majors. See related story, "SUNY Sullivan trims down."