Legalizing marijuana is an issue that's top of mind for many voters—something that could appear on the ballot next year if the measure gets enough signatures.
But already, a Valley university is offering a new online course on the budding cannabis industry.
"It's the only one in the country that's gone through that rigorous process to get approved,” said Donald Burton, president of Dunlap-Stone University headquartered in Phoenix.
It's an online class to teach students about the cannabis industry.
Burton said there are about 450 marijuana-related jobs out there.
“The industry is growing so fast that it's unbelievable what's going on,” Burton said.
These are jobs we are just hearing about since marijuana was legalized in other states.
"You wouldn't think that a plumber would be involved in the industry, but they are big time,” Burton said.
“I think it's great,” said Cindy Abbott, who owns The Holistic Center, a medical marijuana dispensary in Phoenix.
She believes a class like this makes the industry seem more legitimate.
“I think people will be more excited to go and feel that they're going to actually learn something beneficial that can help them in this industry,” Abbott said.
The class will be taught by industry professionals--"some MDs that are oncologists that understand the industry, people that have PhDs in all the chemistry,” Burton said.
The class begins Dec. 10 and is a six-week course. It's being offered as an elective in Dunlap-Stone University’s health care program. It’s open to anyone who meets their general requirements.
