Vermont State University Named Educational Partner for 2026 Vermont Cannabis Convention
Vermont State University (VTSU) has been announced as the Educational Partner for the 2026 Vermont Cannabis Convention, linking the state’s premier cannabis industry event with VTSU’s established Cannabis Studies Certificate Program. The collaboration aims to align academic training with the evolving needs of Vermont’s cannabis workforce.
About the Cannabis Studies Certificate Program
The Cannabis Studies Certificate is a 12‑credit interdisciplinary offering that explores the cultural, economic, legal, and scientific dimensions of cannabis. Coursework includes hands‑on experience in cultivation, research, and commercial operations, and students complete the required Cannabis Employee ID Card Compliance Training for anyone working in Vermont’s regulated cannabis sector. By combining classroom instruction with practical skills and mandated certification, the program prepares Vermonters for a range of careers in the growing industry.
What the Partnership Means for the Convention
Founded in 2018 by the New England Cannabis Convention (NECANN) and Vermont‑based entrepreneurs, the Vermont Cannabis Convention has grown into the state’s largest cannabis industry gathering, featuring more than seventy‑five exhibitors and thirty speakers each year. As the Educational Partner, VTSU faculty will help shape convention programming, ensuring that panels, presentations, and workshops reflect both current industry trends and the competencies students need to succeed.
Dr. Phil Lamy, Director of VTSU’s Cannabis Studies Program, noted:
“It is an honor for VTSU’s Cannabis Studies Program to collaborate with NECANN’s 2026 Vermont Cannabis Convention as the Educational Partner. Our goal is to organize a wide variety of panels, presentations, and hands‑on workshops featuring cutting‑edge cannabis professionals from New England and beyond. This unique partnership with the NECANN brand and Vermont’s leading cannabis convention producer expands VTSU’s mission to a wider professional audience.”
Eli Harrington, organizer of the Vermont Cannabis Convention, added that the direct line between educators and industry professionals provides real‑time feedback on workforce needs.
“The workshops and speakers are a huge reason why people attend, and having a direct line with VTSU and their partners in the industry gives us the kind of feedback to know exactly what the Vermont cannabis workforce needs and what students and job‑seekers need to know to fill those needs.”
International Collaboration and Community Focus
Through an ongoing partnership with government and educational institutions in Ghana, VTSU Cannabis Studies faculty will also host colleagues from Ghana’s cannabis industry as participants in panel and workshop discussions. Harrington emphasized that the Vermont cannabis community remains a human‑scale, grassroots network where attendees can engage directly with experts—whether asking a question in the hallway or discussing cultivation genetics at a presenter’s table.
The convention draws more than 1,200 cannabis industry professionals from across Vermont, offering opportunities for home growers, consumers, and business owners to connect with the latest research, regulatory updates, and practical training.
Source: Here
