Cannabis and Hemp Production: CS

Cannabis and Hemp Production: CS

Certificate of Specialization | 13 credit hours minimum

Area of Interest: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM)

Program Website

Academic Advising

Program Description:

The Certificate of Specialization in Cannabis and Hemp Production affords students the opportunity to learn the specialized processes necessary to grow, manage, and cultivate cannabis and hemp plants using industrial hemp in accordance with state and federal laws. The certificate will equip students with the knowledge necessary to gain employment in this growing segment of the agriculture and horticulture industries.

Locations. This program is offered in its entirety at Meramec. 

Related Programs.  The Horticulture Department offers an associate and a certificate in the following areas:

Horticulture, Associate in Applied Science

Horticulture, Certificate of Proficiency

Financial Aid. This Certificate of Specialization is not eligible for financial aid. However, courses within the certificate may be eligible if taken as part of a financial aid eligible program. Please see an advisor for more information.

Cost of Attendance.  For more information on cost of attendance visit MoSCORES

Program Career and Salary Information.  Pursuant to Missouri HB 1606 (2018), information regarding the number of credit hours, program length, employment rate, wage data, and graduates employed in careers related to their program of study at St. Louis Community College can be found at the following URL: https://scorecard.mo.gov/scorecard/. Search using School / Program “St. Louis Community College” and choose the degree or credential type of interest. 

The following limitations to the data apply: Information provided is based on the most recent cohorts available. Typically, most recent cohorts for wage and completion data are six years prior to the current academic year. Time to complete a program of study varies depending on the number of credit hours students earn per semester.

Interested in this program? Start the enrollment process by visiting the Apply to STLCC page.   

At the completion of the program, students are expected to:

  1. demonstrate the methods of propagating cannabis and hemp.
  2. implement Best Management Practices (BMP) in a greenhouse production setting.
  3. implement Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions to cannabis and hemp plants in a greenhouse setting.
  4. create a growing plan for cannabis and hemp production.
  5. describe the vegetative and flowering growth stages of cannabis and hemp.
  6. identify the different uses for synthetic and biological products.
  7. use flow hoods to maintain sterility of the product.
  8. determine relative levels of different cannabinoids and potential chemical contaminants.
  9. perform solvent-based, solventless, and modern extraction methods.
  10. synthesize the different types of products that can be produced in a laboratory.
Program Requirements
HRT 101Introductory Horticulture4
HRT 135Introduction to Cannabis3
HRT 136Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation3
HRT 137Laboratory Methods for Cannabis Extraction3
Total Credit Hours13

Part-Time Academic Plan

PLEASE NOTE:  If you originally enrolled at STLCC prior to Fall 2024, you may need to view an archived catalog for your correct program requirements.  Please speak with an advisor or the program coordinator for more information.

New PlanGrids
First Year
Fall Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
HRT 101 Introductory Horticulture4Reading Proficiency
HRT 135 Introduction to Cannabis3Concurrent or prior enrollment in HRT 101 or BIO 124 with a minimum grade of "C", and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours7
Spring Credit Hours Prerequisites Milestones/Notes
HRT 136 Cannabis and Hemp Cultivation3Prior or concurrent enrollment in HRT 135 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
HRT 137 Laboratory Methods for Cannabis Extraction3HRT 135 with a minimum grade of "C" and Reading Proficiency
Credit Hours6
Total Credit Hours13

*Click on the hyperlinked course number to view additional information about the course.

**Students completing a course that has been assigned a MOTR number may transfer that course to any public institution in Missouri. Those who complete CORE 42 requirements will have that verification on their transcript.

*** It is your responsibility to verify that the courses listed above will transfer to the four-year institution of your choice.  Maximize your transfer credits/classes by meeting with an academic advisor.