Archive · 2025-12-12

In 2021, we highlighted free and lost-cost cannabis education resources available to those interested in starting or furthering their plant medicine education. As the cannabis industry continues to expand across the United States, so do opportunities for “marijuana education” or better cannabis education. Today, cannabis educational resources are for career seekers, professionals, curious consumers looking for safer alternatives and even doctors! Classes, programs, scholarships and internships are all now available within this industry. Even cannabis education online is growing. We’re taking another look at cannabis educational programs and degrees - please comment and share if you’ve experienced any of these programs!

Cannabis Awards and Scholarships for Advancement

The Higher Potential Scholarship, sponsored by 25 companies and hosted by the DaySavers Review Panel, recently handed out more than 200 awards to advance cannabis education. Current and aspiring industry professionals comprised the first class of winners who hailed from 30 different states. Higher Potential Scholarship awards included mentorships, industry access, a scholarship, financial assistance, tuition-free education and training courtesy of The Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition. The coalition includes 25 businesses and organizations, including yours truly CannaCon, with a goal to advance cannabis education, equity and industry innovation. Keep an eye out for the next round in Summer 2026. Requirements for consideration in 2025 included an application and essay submission. The Society of Cannabis Clinicians (SCC), which addresses healthcare disparities and social injustice through advocacy and education, also aids cannabis education. Through the SCC monthly scholarship program, the SCC offers Clinical Training Curriculum with access to the latest advances in clinical research and practice of cannabinoid medicine. Acceptable applicants are of African American/Black, Latinx or Native American/Indigenous descent and work in healthcare centers in predominantly Black or Brown communities. Applicants must submit an online application, a 60-second video submission, and two to three letters of recommendation.

New Programs Across the Country

Alabama State University (ASU) recently announced newly opened cannabis education certificate programs, including Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture, the Business of Cannabis, Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management, and Cannabis Product Development and Design. ASU, a historically Black college or university (HBCU), joins Jacksonville State University as one of two schools in the state offering cannabis-related courses. Other HBCUs that offer cannabis education programs include Clark Atlanta University and Medgar Evans College in New York. In the midwest, University of Wisconsin-Platteville has announced the launch of new Cannabis Career Certificate programs. With more than 50 industry leaders and subject matter experts, these online programs offer updated curricula, accessible pricing and helpful career support. There are six certificates available, including Cannabis Associate Certificate (8 weeks, $850), Cannabis Product Development Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200), Cannabis Compliance Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200), and Medical Cannabis Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200). The first group of students begin Jan. 13, 2026; new start dates are offered every eight weeks. Southern Connecticut State University launched three cannabis education online and workforce development programs in early 2025. These options provide education and job-skills training for people interested in working in the state’s emerging cannabis industry. This marijuana education opportunity has three nine-week virtual programs, including cannabis cultivation specialist, cannabis retail specialist, and cannabis extraction and product development specialist. The programs above are all connected to Green Flower, which began in 2014 to create industry standards for cannabis education and training. Those who love chemistry and cannabis may want to consider a degree in Cannabis Chemistry at Lake Superior State University. This is the first degree program in the United States focusing on the quantitative analysis of cannabis-related compounds and contaminants including THC, CBD, terpenes, etc. Cannabis Chemistry graduates earn experience in modern instrumentation laboratories and industry standard techniques, and they can go into work in law enforcement, public health and safety, regulatory management, and business.

For Businesses: Cannabis Educational Resources

In Minnesota, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $3.6 million in grants for businesses to enter the state’s adult-use cannabis industry, train workers for industry jobs, and expand operations. “We’re committed to ensuring social equity in the cannabis industry, working alongside our regulatory partners securing market integrity, and supporting Minnesota’s community-focused lenders and workforce development organizations around the state,” DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek said in a statement. Regulators in Hawaii are launching a series of cannabis educational resources to inform physicians and other healthcare professionals about medical marijuana as the state’s cannabis program expands. The state Department of Health (DOH) announced the new free Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Education (CE) courses, which are: “designed to give healthcare providers a foundational understanding of the endocannabinoid system, and the clinical application of medical cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD),”Dr. Kenneth Fink, DOH director said. With more than 120,000 patients having enrolled in Hawaii’s medical cannabis program since its inception, healthcare providers will likely encounter patients using cannabis for medical purposes. Recognizing potential side effects and drug interactions will help improve patient safety,” he said. Education is power! CannaCon is the nation’s leading business-to-business cannabis conference, and a wealth of cannabis industry and education information can be learned at each show. Register to attend a CannaCon show!