SUNY Erie in Buffalo has partnered with Flora California to develop a new curriculum centering around the cannabis industry.

The college looks to offer a two-year certificate or degree program that would eventually create local jobs.

Leaders with the Erie County Council for the Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Buffalo say they're not in favor of Governor Cuomo's plan to legalize recreational marijuana or ECC's curriculum.

They've ramped up efforts this school year to get information out about the dangers of the drug, which they say leads to higher crime and more emergency room visits.

"If we can educate people as to what the reality is, what we know to be true in other states, they might think twice on legalizing it here," said Sally Yageric, ECCPASA director of community programs.

"It's a building block for the new economy. You lose that first mover advantage, if you don't partake early in the process of joining the economy," said Dan Hocoy, SUNY Erie president.

The state legislative session ends in June.