SAN FRANCISCO—Since California’s legalization of Proposition 64—legalization for use of recreational marijuana for those 21 years and older, in November 2016, City College of San Francisco (CCSF) has decided to offer a new curriculum focused on cannabis training by the start of spring 2018.
CCSF has partnered with Oaksterdam University; a marijuana trade school founded in 2007, and labor union, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), which offers representation for marijuana workers. According to the SF Examiner, CCSF spokesperson Jeff Hamilton is hoping to develop an apprenticeship program with the already established Pharmacology and Technology department.
“The apprentices will be receiving classroom instruction concurrently with on-the-job training with the UFCW,” said Hamilton. Hamilton mentioned that CCSF is seeking Oaksterdam’s faculty for the program because of their expertise on marijuana.
Oaksterdam’s Executive Chancellor Dale Sky Jones believes there is more to discuss in regards to the development of the program commenting, “There are things that need to be sussed out, including who the training is for.”
Jones wants to ensure that the cannabis training can be made available to as many people as possible, preferring that it be open to more than just union members. At this time, Hamilton foresees the program as being only open to apprentices sponsored by UFCW just like other apprenticeship programs.
On January 13, 2016 the Cannabis State Legalization Task Force met and discussed the social implications of the legalization of recreational marijuana as well as educational recommendations. Task Force Members concluded that Proposition 64 could increase the industry presence of cannabis in San Francisco.
“Developing a zoning plan for this increase would involve creating an equitable distribution of the cannabis industry across the City and preparing the cannabis industry workforce for these new employment opportunities” states the Year I Report And Recommendations document.
The report also discusses the encouragement of implementing an age-appropriate course curriculum for children. Under recommendation category I: Public Safety and Social Environment the document states:
“The SFUSD has an existing educational model focusing on wellness centers and health-based classroom education that should be used as the foundational framework for age-appropriate cannabis education. This framework should be analyzed (via data review) to identify gaps and revitalize the curriculum to effectively educate schoolchildren about cannabis use.”
