Cannabis Retail Management
Lead the Way!
New York's recreational cannabis retail industry is gaining momentum. With a microcredential in Cannabis Retail Management from DCC, you'll be prepared to launch your career just 15 weeks!
The 2021 passage of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act has expanded the market for legalized cannabis and cannabis-related products, opening the door to a whole new set of well-paying jobs throughout the state. DCC offers the training and skills you need to thrive in your cannabis retail career, whether as a manager or an employee.
What You’ll Study in Our Cannabis Retail Management Program
Whether you're interested in budtending, sales, management (or all three!), our program helps you develop the business skills you'll need to succeed. Our instructor-led classes will cover retail management, merchandising, storeroom operations, cost control, customer service, and cannabis sciences—giving you a broad and comprehensive background in just one semester.
If you decide to continue at DCC after completing your microcredential, you can apply your coursework to an associate degree in Hospitality and Tourism or Business Management.
DEPARTMENT PAGEWhat courses you'll take
BIO 113: Intro to Cannabis
Get to know the biological and chemical aspects of the Cannabis sativa plant, through academic study and hands-on experience. Lab activities will not use
THC, but will involve hemp and CBD extraction.
BUS 113: Customer Service & Engagement
Explore the customer service oriented organization, and develop skills to engage in
various situations.
BUS 143: Hospitality Purchasing
Learn about marketing strategies, purchasing procedures, economics and quality control.
BUS 161: Management of Retail Operations
Gain insight into organizational structure, customer behavior and the planning and
management of store services.
Where Can This Microcredential Take You?
Getting Started
Demonstrate Your Expertise with a Digital Badge
Upon successful competition of the Cannabis Retail Management Microcredential, you’ll earn a digital badge as proof of your accomplishment. Display it on your social media and online professional profiles to showcase your new skill set! Since digital badges are secure and verifiable, employers can have confidence knowing you possess the qualifications they’re looking for.
Spring 2025 Class Schedule
Classes will be held on the Poughkeepsie campus. Some Saturday sessions will be scheduled for field trips, guest speakers and workshops. Attendance is encouraged but not required.
| Class | Class Number / Type | Day(s) | Meeting Time | Meeting Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Cannabis | BIO 113 (Lecture) / Asynchronous | Full Term | ||
| Introduction to Cannabis | BIO 113 (Lab) / Traditional | Monday | 6 p.m. - 8:50 p.m. | Full Term |
| Management of Retail Operations | BUS 161 (Lecture) / Traditional | Wednesday | 6 p.m. - 8:50 p.m. | Full Term |
| Hospitality Purchasing | BUS 143 (Lecture) / Hybrid w/ Asynchronous Component | Thursday | 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | (First 7 Weeks) |
| Customer Service & Engagement | BUS 113 (Lecture) / Hybrid w/ Asynchronous Component | Thursday | 6 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. | (Second 7 Weeks) |
Contact Us
Maureen Peters Gittelman, Assistant Professor
Program Chair, Hospitality & Tourism Management
Email: cannabis@sunydutchess.edu
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601