
The Cannabis College of America
Cannabis College of America has officially opened its new campus in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, marking a significant milestone in cannabis education. Located at 2013 General Potter Highway, this facility offers a unique, hands-on approach to cannabis training, setting it apart as the only institution in the state providing full in-person cultivation experience. With only two other cannabis education programs available in Pennsylvania, Cannabis College is poised to become a leader in this emerging field.
The college operates under a license from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture as a fully licensed hemp grower. In addition, it holds state certifications as a nursery, greenhouse, and nursery dealer. The institution also participates in the Commonwealth’s seed certification program, which focuses on developing superior strains derived from landrace varieties. Founder Larry Nagle emphasizes the importance of practical education, stating, “You can’t grow expertise in a slideshow.” At Cannabis College, students engage directly with real plants, utilizing industry-standard tools and methods.
Comprehensive Curriculum for Aspiring Cultivators
Students at Cannabis College benefit from an all-inclusive learning experience. The program provides live cannabis plants for training, professional tools, and a complete syllabus and lab workbook that serve as valuable resources throughout their careers. This emphasis on practical application eliminates the guesswork often associated with virtual learning environments.
The curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain comprehensive knowledge of cannabis cultivation. Over a six-week period, students engage in an intensive program that covers the full growth cycle of multiple cannabis strains, from germination to flowering, harvesting, and curing. Classes run from Monday to Friday, 12:00 to 20:00, offering flexibility for those balancing work and other commitments. Each course concludes with competency tests, culminating in certification based on students’ performance throughout the program.
Programs offered include:
– **Core Program**: Focused on cannabis cultivation from seed to sale
– **Master Medical Methodology**: Techniques tailored for the medical cannabis market
– **Industrial Hemp**: Development of sustainable products such as hempcrete and biofuels
– **Genetics & Strain Development**: Emphasizing phenotype selection and breeding
– **AI & Robotics in Cultivation**: Exploring automation systems for large-scale operations
Comparison with Other Educational Institutions
While institutions like Penn State University and Delaware Valley University offer cannabis-related courses, they lack the hands-on cultivation experience that Cannabis College provides. Penn State’s programs restrict students from working with actual cannabis due to federal regulations, while Delaware Valley University offers a non-credit online certification that does not include live plant interaction. Their standalone hands-on program costs $10,997, demonstrating a significant difference in educational delivery and associated costs.
The expertise of Cannabis College’s team further enhances its educational offerings. Scott Burgett, the college’s Chief Operating Officer, is a U.S. Army veteran with extensive experience in cannabis cultivation. He previously served as the Director of Cultivation for The Green Solution Florida, significantly scaling operations. Burgett’s operational insights are invaluable to students pursuing a career in cannabis cultivation.
Enrollment is currently open for those interested in pursuing this immersive and comprehensive education. Cannabis College of America provides a pathway for both newcomers and seasoned cultivators to deepen their understanding of cannabis cultivation in Pennsylvania, a state increasingly recognized for its growing cannabis industry.
For more information, interested individuals can visit the college’s website at CannabisCollegeofAmerica.com or contact the campus directly at 814-810-1202. The college also offers weekend seminars for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking to expand their knowledge of cannabis cultivation.