CRANFORD — Union County College has signed an agreement with the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association to develop cannabis-related academic programs and internships.

The agreement, signed Wednesday evening, will include educational, training, and research opportunities, along with guest lecturers and internship opportunities in the cannabis field. The programs will begin in the spring semester.

“One of our goals at Union is to provide to our students with programs that are on the cutting edge of business and industry needs,” Union County College President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin said in a statement. “This new partnership allows us to provide high quality academic and career programs to our students that will lead to jobs in the emerging medical plant chemistry market in New Jersey.”

This is the third agreement the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association has signed with New Jersey colleges to support cannabis programs. The first was with Stockton University and the second with Atlantic Cape Community College.

“The cannabis industry will not flourish in a vacuum,” said Scott Rudder, president of the association. “We have to ensure we are training today’s workforce so they are fully prepared to transition into and succeed in the cannabis market. Union County College and Dr. McMenamin recognize this and deserve credit for working to ensure their students can learn and gain real world experience in the industry.”

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State Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D- District 22) , who was present when the pact was signed, praised the agreement.

“The cannabis debate has centered around the critical issues of social justice and undermining the black market," Scutarti said. "One area, however, where we need to be especially focused is workforce development. The industry is going to expand quickly and we have to make sure we are training people to engage in it successfully. This agreement goes a long way toward accomplishing that goal in Union County."

Assemblyman Jamal Holley (D - District 20) emphasized the importance of education in the burgeoning legalized marijuana industry.

“If we are going to be serious about creating a new industry in legal cannabis, we must equally take the education of it as well," Holley said. "Education and innovation creates the wrap around support base needed and will require experienced people at all levels, from seed to sale. That’s what makes agreements like this so important. Partnering industry professionals with workforce development programs will give individuals a chance to learn the industry from the inside and hear from experts in business."

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com