Overview of Cannabis Program at Merritt College
Started in Spring of 2022, the Cannabis Program at Merritt College was created to train future cannabis cultivators in one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. The legal cannabis industry in California currently employs over 80,000 workers, that’s more cannabis jobs in this state than there are bank tellers, attorneys, or sworn law enforcement officers. The Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate of Achievement is designed to be completed in one year. It consists of both online and in-person courses to provide an overview of the California cannabis industry, and hands-on training in various cultivation techniques and work processes.
Fall 2025 Cannabis Classes
(8/18/2025 to 12/12/2025)
Intro to Cannabis Production (LANHT230):
- Class #: 43594
- Mode: In-Person
- Day/Time: Tuesdays
- 12:00pm-3:00pm
- Instructor: Jamal Baker
Also check out our two-day cannabis fee based class on edibles offered on Saturday 10/18/25 and 10/25/2025: Register Here
Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate
- This Certificate of Achievement prepares workers for careers linked to entry-level cannabis cultivation related occupations such as Grower / Horticulturist / Cultivation Technician, Nursery Technician, and Trimmer / Post-Harvest Specialist.
- This program combines classroom learning and hands-on skill development in labs, fieldwork, and field trips. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in basic horticultural principles, cannabis plant biology and physiology, outdoor and greenhouse cannabis cultivation, and cannabis genetics; industry standard skills and practices related to safe work practices and ergonomics; and resume-writing and interview skills.
- To qualify for the Basic Cannabis Horticulture Certificate of Achievement students must complete all required courses (16.5 – 17.5 units)
- This program will eventually be expanded into an AS Degree and/or Advanced Certificate for further career advancement.
List of Classes
- LANHT230: Introduction to Cannabis Production (3 units)
- LANHT233: Cannabis Careers (1 unit)
- LANHT 234: Cannabis History and Genetics (3 units)
- LANHT 235: Cannabis Pruning, Harvesting, and Trimming (0.5 units)
- LANHT 240: Personal Use Cannabis Garden Cultivation (3 units)
- LANHT 239: Fall Cannabis Lab (2 units)
- LANHT 237: Spring Cannabis Lab (2 units)
- LANHT 238: Summer Cannabis Lab (2 units)
Instructors
Matt Witemyre
MWitemyre@peralta.edu
Jamal Baker
Jbaker@peralta.edu
***Disclaimer***
At this time, we are not able to grow cannabis or hemp flower on campus. Certain labs will use proxy plants to demonstrate cultivation techniques.
