[PRESS RELEASE] – VENTURA, Calif., Nov 11, 2026 – Green Flower, the industry leader in career-focused cannabis education, announced the launch of the Advanced Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate, a highly technical training program designed to develop the next generation of commercial cultivation leaders.
Developed in partnership with Advanced Nutrients, the global leader in cannabis nutrients, the 16-week online program is designed for people ready to take their cannabis cultivation experience to a commercial level. Participants learn how licensed grows are planned, scheduled and managed while building the technical skills, scientific know-how and operational judgment that facilities look for when hiring.
According to the Vangst U.S. Cannabis Jobs Report 2026, cultivation is the largest employment sector in the $29.1 billion U.S. legal cannabis industry, accounting for 31% of the nation’s 412,500 total cannabis jobs. But growing at commercial scale is a different skill set, built on systems and data instead of instinct and experience alone.
“Cannabis cultivation has changed dramatically as the industry has matured, but the training hasn’t kept pace,” Green Flower CEO Max Simon said. “This is the most technical cultivation program that has ever been created, and it’s built to match how commercial facilities actually operate today.”
The curriculum covers facility systems engineering, data-driven crop steering, full plant lifecycle management, harvest and post-harvest processing, and integrated pest management.
Graduates earn an industry-recognized certificate along with a digital badge to show employers their expertise. Course completion unlocks lifetime access to the Cannabis Career Resource Center, offering job search guidance, resume tools and employer connections.
“As the industry matures, the definition of a great grower is changing. It’s not just about growing great cannabis. It’s about doing it consistently, harvest after harvest, at commercial scale,” said Michael “BigMike” Straumietis, founder and CEO of Advanced Nutrients. “Today’s facilities need a new class of cultivation professionals who understand the science, the systems and the data behind every decision. This program teaches them exactly how to do it.”
The inaugural program cohort starts on Jan. 12, 2027, at 40-plus universities and colleges across the nation. Enrollment is open to anyone 18 or older with foundational experience in cannabis cultivation. Flexible payment options and full-pay discounts are available at launch.
Learn more at https://green-flower.com/advanced-cultivation/.
