Oregon pioneers cannabis health tech training program through Green Muse Academy

The House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on April 23, 2025, to discuss significant developments in Oregon's cannabis industry, particularly focusing on House Bill 3790 and the establishment of the Green Muse Academy, the first state-registered cannabis health care training program in the nation.

The meeting began with Representative Nelson highlighting the historical context of cannabis legalization in Oregon, emphasizing the need for equity in the industry. He pointed out that while cannabis has become a profitable sector, the economic benefits have predominantly favored white-owned businesses, leaving communities of color, particularly Black and brown Oregonians, at a disadvantage. He introduced House Bill 3790, aimed at incentivizing dispensaries to participate in the cannabis health tech training program, which seeks to rectify these disparities through workforce development.

Karanja Cruz and Nicole Kennedy, co-founders of the Green Muse Academy, presented the details of their program. They expressed gratitude for the support from the Oregon State Apprenticeship and Training Council and the grant from Future Ready Oregon, which enabled the creation of this educational initiative. The academy aims to educate workers and the community about the health benefits of cannabis, bridging the gap between recreational and medical cannabis use. They noted that the program will launch its first educational cohort in February 2025, with plans for a comprehensive 2000-hour training program to follow.

Cruz and Kennedy emphasized the importance of understanding the endocannabinoid system and how cannabis can be used medicinally to address issues such as sleep disorders and anxiety. They highlighted the disconnect between recreational and medical cannabis markets, noting that many budtenders lack the necessary knowledge to educate customers effectively. Their goal is to provide this education to ensure that cannabis is used responsibly and beneficially.

Committee members raised questions regarding the basis of the information provided in the training program, particularly concerning the research backing the health benefits of cannabis. Cruz assured the committee that their curriculum is based on peer-reviewed research and developed in collaboration with experienced medical professionals specializing in cannabinoid medicine.

The discussion also touched on the certification process for the cannabis health tech program. Cruz clarified that while they are not medical providers, the program aims to equip individuals with the knowledge to educate others about cannabis without diagnosing or treating medical conditions.

The meeting concluded with a call for support for House Bill 3790, emphasizing the need for continued education in the cannabis sector to address ongoing challenges and promote equity within the industry. The committee acknowledged the importance of this initiative and its potential impact on Oregon's cannabis workforce and community health.