As the cannabis industry in the U.S. continues to blossom, the demand for trained cannabis professionals entering the new market is growing along with it. As more workers continue to enter the cannabis workforce, a new partnership looks to increase access and education to the evolving industry.
Earlier this week, global medical cannabis education leader MM411 (Medical Marijuana 411) and cannabis education provider The Harrington Institute announced a new partnership aimed to “revolutionize access to high-quality cannabis education across diverse communities,” according to a press release.
Beginning in January 2024, MM411 and The Harrington Institute will provide 10 scholarships each month to individuals looking to start their journey in the cannabis industry.
“Educating the community is at the heart of everything we do at Viola and why The Harrington Institute means so much to me,” said Al Harrington, former NBA star and founder/CEO of Viola Brands. “In cannabis, it’s crucial to choose the right partners to work with, and this collaboration between The Harrington Institute and Marijuana 411 is the perfect example that I hope sets the tone for others in the industry to follow.”
MM411 President of Cannabis Education Christine DeVol was similarly enthusiastic about the new partnership, saying that the collaboration marks a “significant step toward creating a more inclusive and informed cannabis industry.”
“By joining forces with The Harrington Institute, we aim to break down barriers and empower individuals from all backgrounds with the knowledge they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving sector,” DeVol said.
Both institutions share the goal of making comprehensive cannabis knowledge accessible to all.
Founded in 2009, MM411 offers a variety of resources for cannabis professionals, including budtender training for dispensary staffers and cannabis education for healthcare workers and more. According to the website, “MM411 provides unbiased, research-based cannabis training courses created by experts in each field.” Since it was founded, MM411 has expanded significantly aiming to meet cannabis education needs in the U.S. and beyond.
MM411 is known in the broader cannabis space for its expansive curriculum, with more than 100 evidence-based modules, more than 2,400 hours of comprehensive content and exclusive certifications.
The Harrington Institute describes its mission as providing “equitable access to the cannabis industry through delivering high quality education to its community,” adding that participation in its programs will lead to advanced awareness, job readiness, reform and community advancement. The Harrington Institute offers pre-recorded courses with free quarterly live-instructed Zoom classes, with a focus on business programs, competency certifications and career preparation.
“Our vision is to reshape the entire landscape of the cannabis industry by providing high quality education in every corner of the market,” according to The Harrington Institute’s website.
As noted in the press release, the new partnership reflects the commitment of the two institutions to reshape the cannabis industry by addressing educational disparities and promoting inclusivity to underserved communities.
The partnership looks to combine MM411’s wealth of expertise with The Harrington Institute’s mission to provide affordable education.
“This collaboration will not only empower individuals with cannabis knowledge; it will also create pathways for entry and advancement into the cannabis industry in every corner of the market,” the release states.
While those interested are invited to keep up on The Harrington Institute’s website, MM411 also offers an annual $160 subscription, which provides 24/7 access to its “world-leading, science-based content that’s both informative and fun to learn for people of all knowledge levels, from beginner to expert.”
