13 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. Anne Arundel Community College
2. Clark University
3. Excelsior University
4. SUNY Canton
5. Mount Aloysius College
6. St Josephs University
7. University of Illinois Springfield
8. University of Nevada Reno
9. University of the Pacific
10. University of Wisconsin Platteville
11. Syracuse University
12. University of San Diego
13. University of New Mexico
Why Attend Cannabis Regulatory Programs?
Professional Certifications
What Can You Do With a Cannabis Certificate?
Professional Organizations

1. Anne Arundel Community College

Maryland approved the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Once the state’s regulations are finalized, they will create many opportunities. Individuals and businesses can grow, process, and dispense cannabis for medical purposes.

Anne Arundel Community College offers a Cannabis Legalization course to teach students about Maryland’s cannabis regulatory and approval process. It also provides information about the business opportunities created by legalization. This class is online, and each session seats around 25 students.

Campus Location: Arnold, Maryland
Program: Cannabis Legalization class
Credit: 3 Credits
Delivery: Online
Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Program Cost: $366 for 3 credits for in-state tuition
Interested: Click here to find out more!

2. Clark University

Clark University is forging cannabis control education with the nation’s first graduate certificate in regulatory affairs on cannabis control. This three-credit graduate program gives students a basic understanding of the ethical, legal, and also social implications of cannabis legalization. Graduates will understand how to implement the rules of engagement in this growing industry.

Applicants to this graduate certificate program must have a bachelor’s degree to enroll. Once admitted, students take three 7-week-long graduate classes.

Cannabis Education and Enforcement
Regulatory Frameworks for Cannabis Control
Health and Public Safety Implications of Cannabis Use

The course delivery is online. Additionally, students can apply 100% of their certificate course credits toward our Master of Public Administration. Certificate graduates with a 3.0 GPA or higher are admitted to the MPA program.

Campus Location: Worcester, Massachusetts
Program: Certificate in Regulatory Affairs for Cannabis Control
Credit: 3 online courses
Delivery: Online
Institutional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Program Cost: $9,135 total for 3 classes
Interested: Click here to find out more!

3. 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!

4. SUNY Canton

This New York 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!

5. Mount Aloysius College

This Cannabis certificate from Mt Aloysius College is perfect for working professionals. The program is the first on our list of schools that partner with a company called Green Flower. It uses standardized online learning for key cannabis industry sectors. Students complete 3 classes for a total of 9 credits to earn the certificate.

Cannabis 101: History and Practice Across Industries
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management I: Cannabis Risk Management Framework
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management II: Risk Assessment

Students prepare for roles as compliance professionals in the fast-evolving cannabis industry. Coursework teaches graduates to understanding the risks of operating a commercial cannabis business. And they also how to mitigate risks using a proven Cannabis Risk Management Framework.

Legal compliance is a challenge for cannabis businesses of all sizes because. The industry is evolving quickly and laws are constantly shifting. Additionally, there are strict compliance requirements, multiple health and safety risks, and complex challenges throughout the cannabis supply chain. So, it is no surprise that cannabis compliance professionals are in high demand.

Upon completing the certificate program, graduates earn a certificate of completion from the university and a digital badge showcasing their skills. You’ll also be prepared to take the Certified Commercial Cannabis Professional (CCCP) through the Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE).

Campus Location: Cresson, Pennsylvania
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!

6. St Josephs 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!

7. 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. Below are some topics students cover in this 3-class certificate.

History of Cannabis
Phytocannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
Agriculture and Cultivation
Enterprise
Law and Policy
Cannabis Medicine and Healthcare
Careers in the Cannabis Industry
Internal control environment
Risk assessment
Control activities
Information and communication
Training, Assurance, and Risk program tailoring

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!

8. 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!

9. 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!

10. University of Wisconsin Platteville

The University of Wisconsin-Platteville Continuing Education Institute also offers a cannabis certificate with Green Flower Institute. The 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!

11. 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. Our 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 seeks to bridge the cannabis industry skills gap by offering 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!

12. 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!

13. 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 Cannibus 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.