The Northeastern Institute of Cannabis is the first of its kind in New England and the latest installment in the push to legalize marijuana across the nation. It’s an intriguing venture, backed by private investors, and it will be interesting to see whether it succeeds or goes up in smoke.

Blake Ellis of CNN Money has the story:

Want to study pot? There’s a school for that

The Northeastern Institute of Cannabis, located in Natick, Mass., announced that it will soon start accepting applications and begin offering classes in late August or early September.

Founded by long-time pot activist Mickey Martin, the 12-course program will teach students about the medical uses of marijuana, growing techniques, the logistics of operating a dispensary, as well as the science, history and legal landscape of the industry.

As the cannabis industry continues to boom and a growing number of states legalize its use for medical purposes, the demand for knowledgeable workers in the field is greater than ever.

That’s what makes it the perfect time to launch an institute devoted to training people, says Martin, who once had his own medical marijuana edibles business before it was raided and shut down by the Drug Enforcement Administration. He has since started a pot consulting business and he recently wrote the book, Medical Marijuana 101.

“This is one of the largest growth industries in America, and it’s not just stoners and people who like weed anymore — it’s a business,” said Martin. “We’re targeting your basic worker, someone who wants to go to a dispensary and apply for a job, because these places want people who are trained.”

Martin chose Massachusetts because the state recently legalized medical marijuana, and the town of Natick because it’s home to so many of the state’s medical marijuana dispensaries. Funded by private investors, a 7,500 square-foot facility to host classes and meetings is currently under construction.