Fort Myers is experiencing a notable rise in cannabis education workshops, reflecting both a surge in public curiosity and a more sophisticated local cannabis industry. These gatherings, led by respected educational institutions and local medical clinics, are making reliable, research-backed information accessible to both residents and professionals.
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) has emerged as a leading provider of cannabis education in the region. Its Cannabis Professional Certificate Program has grown steadily in popularity since its introduction. Initially offered as a five-day intensive course, the program featured expert-led sessions on cannabis physiology, pharmacology, legal issues, and cultural impact. Over time, it has expanded into the Cannabis Research, Education and Workforce (CREW) initiative, offering broader, ongoing educational opportunities. The program draws participants from diverse fields, including healthcare, law, accounting, and business leadership. Designed to be interdisciplinary, it provides a comprehensive understanding of cannabis, from plant science to the evolving legal framework that governs its use.
Local clinics have also stepped up their educational outreach. Iona Cannabis Clinic in Fort Myers, for example, hosts monthly Medical Marijuana Card Seminars that take place every third Thursday evening. These sessions walk attendees through Florida’s medical marijuana regulations, covering topics such as eligibility requirements, registry processes, and the necessary steps to apply for a medical marijuana card. Clinic staff are on hand to assist with Health Department submissions, making the process approachable for those who may find the paperwork or regulations overwhelming.
Together, these academic and community-based offerings demonstrate a layered approach to cannabis education in Southwest Florida. FGCU’s programs prepare professionals for careers in the state’s expanding cannabis industry, while clinic-led workshops focus on immediate consumer needs, including compliance and safe usage practices. This two-pronged strategy ensures that both industry workers and patients benefit from accurate, credible, and applicable information.
Industry advocates believe that such education helps combat misinformation and promotes responsible consumption. Professional programs raise standards in areas such as cultivation, retail operations, and patient care. Meanwhile, consumer workshops offer a safe and trusted setting to ask questions, learn about dosage and product types, and understand how to remain compliant with state law.
The growing interest in these workshops mirrors the steady expansion of Florida’s cannabis market. With more patients obtaining medical marijuana cards each year and new job opportunities emerging, the demand for trustworthy, localized education has never been higher. Fort Myers is positioning itself as a leader in this space, setting an example for other Florida cities on how to balance economic growth with public health and safety.
Whether someone is considering a career in the cannabis industry or seeking guidance as a patient, Fort Myers offers educational resources that meet those needs. By combining academic rigor with community engagement, the city is creating a well-informed population ready to navigate the complex and evolving world of cannabis with clarity, confidence, and care.