10 Top Cannabis Regulatory Programs and Courses

The top Cannabis Regulatory programs and courses train professionals for risk management and compliance roles in the cannabis industry.

It is the fastest-growing industry in the US. And many expect it to become a multi-billion dollar market by 2025. But, as states move toward cannabis legalization, significant challenges emerge. The industry is rapidly expanding, but training new workers is not keeping pace. As more states move toward medical and adult-use cannabis legalization, organizations in the public and private sectors will require a deeper understanding of the newly emerging and consistently changing regulatory environment.

Community colleges, traditional colleges and universities, and career schools are all developing new education programs. These classes, certificates, and degrees focus on specific parts of the cannabis sector. As the cannabis industry expands, the demand for skilled and credible professionals expands. Becoming an expert in this field means learning from the pioneers taking the industry into the mainstream. Our certificates develop focused, in-depth knowledge of specific cannabis sectors.

With more U.S. states embracing cannabis legalization and increasing demand for jobs within the cannabis industry, we believe cannabis education will continue to rise. Universities, colleges, and other educational institutions will profit from the increased interest in cannabis careers and provide cannabis organizations and companies with eager, educated, and knowledgeable job candidates.

1. Excelsior University
2. SUNY Canton
3. St Joseph’s University
4. University of Illinois Springfield
5. University of Nevada Reno
6. University of the Pacific
7. University of Wisconsin Platteville
8. Syracuse University
9. University of San Diego
10. University of New Mexico
Why Attend Cannabis Regulatory Programs?
Professional Certifications
What Can You Do With a Cannabis Certificate?
Professional Organizations

1. Excelsior University

Excelsior University offers a Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control. This program focuses on the challenges, complexities, and opportunities of the cannabis industry and its regulations.

Students deepen their knowledge base and also develop critical thinking skills. Graduates understand the impact of cannabis legalization in our communities, states, and nation. This certificate keeps pace with the changing regulatory environment.

Excelsior University’s graduate certificate in Cannabis Control is a fully online program. It requires three interdisciplinary graduate courses focusing on policy, risk assessment, and commerce. Some students can earn the certificate in as few as six months. Additionally, it pairs well with a business, health sciences, criminal justice, or public administration degree.

Campus Location: Albany, New York
Program: Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control
Credit: 9 credits, 3 online courses, 6 months
Delivery: Online
Institutional Accreditation: the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Cost: $695 per Credit
Interested: Click here to find out more!

2. SUNY Canton

The State University of New York (SUNY) at Canton state college offers bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and professional certificate programs. In addition, SUNY Canton offers many quality continuing education programs. Popular courses of study are in healthcare, engineering technology, and management.

The regulation of cannabis is undergoing rapid changes in the US and around the world. So, it is not a surprise that SUNY Canton now offers a course on Cannabis Law. And yes, they gave it course number 420! In this course, students learn the history and evolution of cannabis legislation. It also covers decriminalization, medical marijuana legalization of recreational marijuana, and the conflict between state and federal laws.

Campus Location: Canton, New York
Program: Course in Cannabis Control (LEST 420 CANNABIS LAW)
Credit: 3 credits
Delivery: Online
Institutional Accreditation: the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Cost: $295 per credit for New York residents
Interested: Click here to find out more!

3. St Joseph’s University

This certificate program prepares students to be cannabis compliance professionals, an in-demand career in the cannabis industry. Students learn about the risks of operating a commercial cannabis business and how to mitigate them with a Cannabis Risk Management Framework.

Graduates earn a certificate of completion from Saint Joseph’s University. Additionally, they can sit for the Certified Commercial Cannabis Professional (CCCP) exam through the Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE). Students also get a one-year ACCCE membership when they register for this program, which includes access to additional resources and training materials designed to help them understand the complexities and risks of the commercial cannabis industry.

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Program: Cannabis Compliance & Risk Management Certificate
Credit: 3 online courses, 8 weeks each
Delivery: Online (using Green Flower)
Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Cost: $2,997 total cost for 3 courses
Interested: Click here to find out more!

4. University of Illinois Springfield

There were over 400,000 full-time employees in the US cannabis industry in 2021. In addition, legal cannabis jobs will grow by 250% between 2018-2028. This growth outpaces any other fast-growing career.

The University of Illinois Springfield cannabis certificate is ideal for entrepreneurs, compliance professionals, or individuals interested in compliance. UIS partners with Green Flower to offer Cannabis Regulatory Programs. Topics students cover in this 3-class certificate include the History of Cannabis, Phytocannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System, Enterprise, Law and Policy, Training, Assurance, and Risk program tailoring, and Risk assessment.

Campus Location: Springfield, Illinois
Program: Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
Credit: 3 online courses, 8 weeks each
Delivery: Online (using Green Flower)
Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Cost: $2,550 total cost for 3 courses
Interested: Click here to find out more!

5. University of Nevada Reno

The University of Nevada Reno also pairs up with Green to offer a certificate program. Each certificate consists of three eight-week courses and takes about six months to complete. Therefore, students should expect to dedicate 6-8 hours per week to adequately interact and complete coursework in the certificate programs.

Graduates earn a certificate of completion from The University of Nevada, Reno. And they also have career resources designed to help you land your dream job.

Campus Location: Reno, Nevada
Program: Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
Credit: 3 online courses, 6 Months
Delivery: Online (using Green Flower)
Institutional Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Program Cost: $2,950 total cost for 3 courses
Interested: Click here to find out more!

6. University of the Pacific

The McGeorge School of Law at the University of the Pacific will soon offer two different Marijuana Law courses in the Spring of 2023. A new course, The Practice and Business of Cannabis Law, is an addition to Marijuana Law Seminar, which began in 2017. UP is the second law school in the United States that offers classes. However, of the 57 ABA-accredited law schools in medical-use-only states, only 8 offer cannabis law or policy courses. Furthermore, only 32 of the 143 law schools nationwide offer any courses on cannabis policy and law.

In addition to classes, students can join McGeorge’s Cannabis Law Society. It is a student organization focusing on the laws and regulations governing cannabis cultivation and use.

Campus Location: Stockton, CA
Program: 2 law classes Marijuana Law Seminar, The Practice and Business of Cannabis Law
Credit: varies
Delivery: Online
Institutional Accreditation: American Bar Association
Program Cost: varies
Interested: Click here to find out more or visit the McGeorge School of Law!

7. University of Wisconsin Platteville

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute also offers a cannabis certificate with Green Flower Institute. This program is three courses and nine credits. Students in the program can access the GF Institute Employer Network to assist with job searches. And the tuition includes a membership to the GF Institute. This professional organization promotes the cannabis industry’s professionalism, credibility, and also equity. Graduates earn a certificate of completion from UW Platteville and a digital badge to display their credentials.

Campus Location: Platteville, Wisconsin
Program: Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
Credit: 3 online courses, 8 weeks each
Delivery: Online (using Green Flower)
Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Cost: $2,550 total cost for 3 courses
Interested: Click here to find out more!

8. Syracuse University

Upon completing the program, students will earn a certificate from Syracuse University. The Employer Network was created to connect Syracuse University certificate holders with the top companies in the legal cannabis space.

Additionally, the school’s employer network partner, Green Flower, has been the leading industry education provider since its inception in 2014. This prominence has increased demand for Syracuse University certificate holders across the supply chain. Syracuse University & Green Flower bridge the cannabis industry skills gap giving certificate holders exclusive access to job postings from cannabis employers seeking knowledgeable candidates in various disciplines.

Campus Location: Syracuse, New York
Program: Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
Credit: 3 online courses, 8 weeks each
Delivery: Online (using Green Flower)
Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Cost: $2,997 total cost for 3 courses
Interested: Click here to find out more!

9. University of San Diego

Campus Location: San Diego, California
Program: Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
Credit: 3 online courses, 6 Months
Delivery: Online (using Green Flower)
Institutional Accreditation:
Program Cost: $2,950 total cost for 3 courses
Interested: Click here to find out more!

10. University of New Mexico

Campus Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Program: Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
Credit: 3 online courses, 6 Months
Delivery: Online (using Green Flower)
Institutional Accreditation:
Program Cost: $2,950 total cost for 3 courses
Interested: Click here to find out more!

Why Attend Cannabis Regulatory Programs?

Regulatory uncertainty is the cannabis industry’s middle name. At the same time, it is also one of the most highly regulated industries. Because the industry is new and finding its footing, individuals who enter this field in the early years can move into advanced positions quickly as the industry grows.

Whether you take a class, earn a certificate, or go on for a graduate degree, education is a great way to get your foot in the door of this fast-growing and lucrative industry.

Professional Certifications

Earning a certification will also give you a leg up. For example, the Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts offers the below certifications.

Certified Commercial Cannabis Professional (CCCP)
Certified Commercial Cannabis Expert (CCCE)

National Cannabis Risk Management Academy is part of the National Cannabis Risk Management Association and offers the Professional Cannabis Risk Manager Designation (PCRM) with the below components.

Cannabis Finance
Cannabis Occupational Safety and Health
Medical Cannabis
Cannabis Occupational Safety and Health
Cannabis Product Safety

What Can You Do With a Cannabis Certificate?

Compliance is an essential part of Cannabis operations. Below are some jobs in this field.

Cannabis Risk Management Officer

Risk managers help businesses avoid expensive compliance violations, implement safe work practices to prevent worker injuries, and prepare for natural disasters. They also keep pace with changing financial regulations and help owners understand and avoid product quality recalls.

AVERAGE SALARY:$90,150

Compliance Managers

A Compliance Manager earns an average salary is $62,500, ranging from $45K to $149K. They are responsible for researching and interpreting regulatory compliance across the entire Cannabis supply chain. This includes cultivation, manufacturing, and retail. Read more to start your career leading compliance for all cannabis business operations.

AVERAGE SALARY: $70,000

Dispensary Managers

A Dispensary Manager ensures the safety and satisfaction of all customers and employees. Read more to start your career as a dispensary manager.