The vast majority of Americans live in a state with some type of legal cannabis. According to statistics, there are over 400,000 full-time jobs in the marijuana space—and that number is only expected to climb. Knowing this, several online cannabis colleges have sprouted up.
As cannabis becomes increasingly normalized, the number of people wanting to join this industry also increases. In a competitive market, you have to have something that makes you stand out. That’s why a degree in cannabis is becoming vital to a successful career in the space.
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Many accredited universities have added cannabis programs and curriculum due to growing demand. But there are also several ways to gain critical skills and knowledge online, offering a convenient way to jumpstart your weed career.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a plant-based career, consider one of these cannabis colleges.
Oaksterdam University
Oaksterdam University was founded in 2008 as the “first cannabis college” in the nation. This California-based school prides itself on its robust curriculum. The coursework encompasses everything from cultivation to retail, breeding, and more.
Oaksterdam University offers full certificate courses in horticulture, business, extracts and manufacturing, and retail/budtending. There are also several “general education” courses offering hyper-focused content on topics such as compliance, the endocannabinoid system, and hemp.
Single classes start around $49, while full certification programs can run upwards of $3,000. The “all-access” passes are a great deal, allowing users to check out classes on demand. They cost $199 a month or $ 1,999 a year.
Ganjier
The Ganjier program is designed for people who want to take their connoisseurship to the next level. A certified Ganjier is akin to a sommelier in the wine world, with the skills and knowledge to properly assess cannabis and educate others. Powered by Green Flower, the program was curated by respected experts in the cannabis community who have designed a standardized Systematic Assessment Protocol®
There are two different programs: certified Ganjier and Ganjier product specialist. The latter is completely online and a great primer on the Ganjier process. People seeking entry-level jobs in retail, cultivation, or business should consider it. The full Ganjier program is more intensive and requires in-person training and exams alongside an online curriculum.
The Ganjier product specialist program is $499, while the certification program costs $3,295. That fee does not include the required travel to Northern California, but payment plans for coursework are available.
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Clover Leaf University
Clover Leaf University is approved as an academic institution by the state of Colorado. The school’s curriculum specializes in phytotechnology and cutting-edge cannabis innovations.
The curriculum covers budtending, dispensary management, cannabis cultivation, and industrial hemp cultivation. Clover Leaf offers online educational opportunities for its students, but live classes are also available.
The price of courses varies. According to the website, prices run from $99 to $399 for 2 to 4-hour standalone course certifications. Three-day certification programs range from $499 to $2,000.
Beal University
Beal University is a private college in Bangor, Maine, eager to make its mark in the field of cannabis education. The school offers several online cannabis degrees for people eager to learn more about the cannabis industry, including two and four-year diplomas.
The current program offerings include a diploma in cannabis business operations, Associate’s degrees in cannabis business administration or cannabis laboratory science, and a Bachelor’s degree in medicinal plant sciences.
Coursework typically takes between 10 and 34 months to complete. Costs vary, but the Beal website shows the cannabis business operations diploma running around $12,000.
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THC University
As one of the most affordable online cannabis colleges out there, THC University offers single courses and curated programs for cannabis professionals and budtenders. The idea is to help people gain the necessary skills they need fast to break into the industry.
The budtender course consists of 10 modules covering things like cannabis product types, plant chemistry, and how to make recommendations to consumers. Other on-demand courses include training on terpenes, grow basics, and business management.
THC University has a flat fee of $179 that gets you access to its courses for one year. The price also includes chat support and resume consultation.
In an increasingly crowded cannabis market, these online degree programs can help you stand out. And the best part? You don’t have to leave your home to get one. If you’re hoping to break into the emerging cannabis space, start your education today.
