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8 Top Culinary Cannabis Programs

The top Culinary Cannabis Programs and courses train professionals to safely prepare food and drinks using cannabis. 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.

Community colleges, traditional colleges, universities, and career schools are all developing new education programs. These classes, certificates, and degrees focus on specific parts of the cannabis sector. Culinary cannabis programs are educational programs that teach individuals how to prepare cannabis-infused meals. These programs cover various topics, from the science of cannabis-infused cooking to the legal and ethical considerations of cooking with cannabis.

Culinary cannabis programs can be found in culinary schools, universities, and even as part of online cannabis degree programs. Many of these programs offer hands-on instruction, allowing students to learn by making cannabis-infused dishes.

Table of Contents

1. American Culinary Federation

The American Culinary Federation (ACF) offers educational resources, training, and certificate programs to enhance professional growth for culinary professionals. This organization for chefs and cooks was founded in 1929 in New York City. ACF recognizes the significant interest in the addition of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in food and drinks across the nation and offers a cannabis chef certification.

The Specialized Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles demonstrates an applicant’s proficiency in the skills, knowledge, and competencies for safely handling culinary cannabis and edibles.

  • Plant Anatomy
  • Storing and Cooking
  • Concentrates and Extracts
  • Endocannabinoid System
  • Terpenes
  • Math and Potency
  • Safety

This cannabis cooking certification exam was written and reviewed by industry-recognized subject matter experts. The course delivery is online.

  • Campus Location: headquarters in Jacksonville, FL 
  • Program: Specialized Certificate of Culinary Cannabis and Edibles
  • Credit: none
  • Delivery: Online
  • Program Cost: $95 – $125 to purchase exam
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

2. NYU School of Professional Studies

The New Your University (NYU) School of Professional Studies (SPS) offers an online course , Cooking With Cannabis, for professionals who want to integrate edibles into their operations. Students will learn techniques and recipes for using THC and CBD in various forms and create their own culinary recipes. Additionally, students learn to create a balanced product to serve the interest of clients.

  • Understand the use of cannabis products in cooking
  • Understand how to design and create products for a dispensary
  • Advise clients on the best edible products for their needs

This culinary cannabis class is online but typically in a live or synchronous format over eight weeks. However, sessions may change each semester.

  • Campus Location: New York, NY
  • Program: Cooking With Cannabis course
  • Credit: 2 Continuing Education Units (CEU)
  • Delivery: Online, 8 weeks,
  • Program Cost: $560
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

3. Colorado Cannabis School

Students at the Colorado Cannabis School can learn about the medicinal properties of cannabis, how it’s grown, and how to safely use it. Access to Cannabis medicines and the knowledge to safely consume and produce products is the foundation of the CCS education. The school’s culinary cannabis program is an online class, Cooking with Cannabis. This cannabis cooking class covers cannabis cooking topics, including Activating Cannabinoids, Degradation Considerations, and Baking Recipes.

  • Campus Location: Arvada, Colorado
  • Program: Class: Cooking with Cannabis
  • Credit: no
  • Delivery: Online
  • Institutional Accreditation: none/NA
  • Program Cost: $99
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

4. Cannabis Training University

Cannabis Training University (CTU) is an online cannabis college offering comprehensive training on the responsible use, handling, and cultivation of marijuana. The curriculum includes more than 300 lessons, activities, and exams covering topics such as cannabis laws, medical cannabis, growing and harvesting, cannabis cooking, extraction, and more. CTU is the largest online cannabis college and has certified more than 50,000 students in the United States and around the world.

This certification is included in the Master of Cannabis Program!

  • Introduction to Cannabis Extraction
  • Preparing the Cannabis
  • Cannabis Infusion and Extraction
  • Straining, Filtering, and Purging Cannabis
  • Cooking with Cannabis
  • Cannabis Recipes

The Cannabis Cooking Certification’s informative lessons and videos will give you the skills and knowledge you need to open, manage, or work at a cannabis edibles business, including making and properly dosing edibles. Your certificate will give you the credentials to open or manage a commercial cannabis kitchen.

  • Campus Location: online with headquarters in Denver, CO
  • Program: Cannabis Cooking and Extraction Methods class to earn a Cannabis Cooking Certificate
  • Credit: Earn 4.2 credits (ANSI/IACET) in one of 8 courses for the Master of Cannabis
  • Delivery: Online
  • Institutional Accreditation: accreditation provided by International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (ANSI/IACET)
  • Program Cost: $299 for class
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

5. Seattle Central College

Seattle Central College is a public two-year community college located in Seattle, Washington. The college offers a wide range of academic programs and professional-technical certificates, including more than 30 degrees. SCC also offers continuing education and community services. The Academy of Cannabis Science at Seattle Central College is the first cannabis program offered at a public college in Washington State. The program provides students with an educational foundation in the science of cannabis and its potential health benefits.

The Academy of Cannabis Science provides students with the skills and knowledge to work in the rapidly growing cannabis industry. Through coursework, seminars, and hands-on learning, students gain an understanding of the science behind cannabis, cultivation, manufacturing, and business aspects of the cannabis industry. The program also provides students with opportunities to gain experience in the industry through internships and employment.

The Academy of Cannabis Science also offers a Cooking with Cannabis self-paced online course to introduce you to cooking with cannabis and hemp.

  • Campus Location: Seattle, WA
  • Program: Continuing Education class Cooking with Cannabis
  • Credit: none
  • Delivery: Online, self-paced
  • Institutional Accreditation: NA
  • Program Cost: $99 for class
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

6. Mount Wachusett Community College

Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) partnered with Online Cannabis Education (OCE) to offer the Cannabis Cooking Certification. Students learn the technical skills to make edibles, cannabutter, and other infused products. Course materials include 12 hours of required training and 66 hours of optional content. After completing the class students earn the Cannabis Cooking Certification industry certification.

  • Campus Location: Gardner, MA
  • Program: Cannabis Cooking Certification
  • Credit: NA
  • Delivery: Online
  • Institutional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Program Cost: $249 for class
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

7. Holyoke Community College

Holyoke Community College (HCC) partnered with Online Cannabis Education (OCE) to offer the Cannabis Cooking Certification. Course materials include 12 hours of required training and 66 hours of optional content. After completing the class students earn the Cannabis Cooking Certification industry certification.

  • Campus Location: Holyoke, MA
  • Program: Cannabis Cooking Certification Program
  • Credit: NA
  • Delivery: Online
  • Institutional Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Program Cost: $399 for class
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

8. Trichrome Institute

The Cooking with Cannabis class is a collaboration between the Trichrome Institute and the American Culinary Federation. It is designed for professional chefs, cooks, and skilled home cooks. This comprehensive course on cannabis explores the science, philosophy, and entertainment aspects of cooking with cannabis. Topics covered include Quality and safety, Tolerance, Flower and concentrate Infusions, Catering and events, Featured Recipes, and more.

  • Campus Location: Denver, Colorado
  • Program: Cooking With Cannabis class
  • Credit: NA
  • Delivery: Online
  • Institutional Accreditation: NA
  • Program Cost: $99 for class
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

9. Mitchell School of Business

In this 12-lesson course, students will learn how to prepae edible medical marijuana in order to make a variety of concentrates. Using the Online Cannabis Education Marijuana Cookbook, students explore a variety of recipes for cooking with marijuana.

In addition to ingestible marijuana, students learn about topicals, ointments, and other transdermals.

  • Campus Location: Chesterland, OH
  • Program: Cannabis Culinary Online Certificate Program
  • Credit: NA
  • Delivery: Online over 12 weeks
  • Institutional Accreditation: NA
  • Program Cost: $1,480
  • Interested: Click here to find out more!

Why Attend a Culinary Cannabis Program?

Attending a culinary cannabis program is a great way to better understand how to use cannabis in cooking. You’ll learn the fundamentals of cannabis cooking and how to use the plant to its fullest potential, from making edibles to infusing butter and oil. Culinary cannabis programs also teach the best ways to store cannabis and how to adjust the potency of edibles.

Additionally, you’ll gain insights into the science of cannabis, from the chemical makeup of cannabinoids to dosage and safe handling. You’ll learn applicable things like how long cannabis infused cooking oil lasts. Finally, you’ll have the chance to network with other cannabis chefs and professionals and even launch your cannabis culinary career.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of the use of THC and CBD in food and drink and has held that using both compounds in food and drink is illegal. To fill the gap in regulation, some states have begun adopting independent strategies for handling THC and CBD in food and beverages. There remains, however, an information gap concerning food safety and preparation as it relates to THC and CBD-infused products.

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 and Culinary Cannabis Programs

What are professional certifications for Culinary Cannabis?

  • Certified Cannabis Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Cannabis Chef (CCC) from International Cannabis Chefs Association (ICCA)
  • Certified Cannabis Sommelier (CCS)
  • Certified Cannabis Extractor (CCE)
  • Certified Cannabis Educator (CCE)
  • Cannabis Health and Safety Certification (CHSC)
  • Certified Cannabis Product Specialist (CCPS)
  • Certified Cannabis Horticulturist (CCH)
  • Certified Cannabis Infusion Specialist (CCIS) is offered through the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
  • Certified Cannabis Cooking Instructor (CCCI)
  • Cannabis Edibles Professional Certification (CCEP)

What Culinary Jobs are in Cannabis Industry?

Culinary jobs in the cannabis industry are most commonly found in states that have legalized recreational and medical cannabis. In these states, many restaurants, catering companies, food trucks, and other businesses related to the cannabis industry are hiring professional chefs and other culinary professionals. Additionally, many cannabis companies are hiring chefs to develop edibles and other infused products. California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington are the largest and most competitive markets for cannabis-related culinary jobs.

Below are some of the best culinary jobs in the cannabis industry.

Cannabis Chef

A Cannabis Chef creates edibles, cannabis-infused meals, and other food products. Catering Chefs plan and coos cannabis-infused meals for special events. A Certified Cannabis Chef (CCC) is a professional chef who has received training in the preparation and consumption of cannabis-infused cuisine. They are knowledgeable in the culinary properties of cannabis and understand the science behind creating cannabis culinary products. A Cannabis Chef is also responsible for creating a safe, delicious, and balanced experience for their guests.

Salary: $61,419 (more) to $126,811 (more)

Cannabis Edibles Producers

A Cannabis Edibles Producer makes cannabis-infused baked goods, chocolates, gummies, and other food products.

Salary: $60,000 (more)

Cannabis Beverage Makers

A Cannabis Beverage Maker manufactures cannabis-infused drinks and beverages. Currently this market is about 1% of cannabis sales in the US but is growing.

Salary: $60,000 (more)

Cannabis Nutritionists

A Cannabis Nutritionist advises clients on incorporating cannabis-infused foods into their diets. And a Cannabis Menu Developer creates menus for cannabis restaurants and other related businesses.

Salary: $60,000 (more)

Cannabis Food Scientists

A Cannabis Food Scientist develops new recipes and products for cannabis-infused foods.

Salary: $60,000 (more)

Cannabis Cooking Shows To Watch

If you can’t find the right cooking with cannabis class, you can always catch one of these Cannabis Cooking shows!

1. Cooked With Cannabis

This cannabis infused cooking show is on Netflix.

2. Chopped 420 (2021-Current)

3. High Cuisine (2017-Current)

4. MUNCHIES

Professional Resources 

Additionally, there are many cannabis cooking books you can find for cannabis culinary training:

  • The Cannabis Encyclopedia: The Definitive Guide to Cultivation & Consumption of Medical Marijuana by Jorge Cervantes
  • Bong Appétit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed [A Cookbook]
  • Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen
  • Interpening: The Art and Science of the Cannabis Sommelier
  • Beyond Buds, Next Generation: Cannabis Concentrates and Cannabis Infusions
  • Beyond Buds: Cannabis Extracts, Hash, Vaping, Dabbing, Edibles, and Medicines
  • Big Book of Buds Greatest Hits
  • Branding Buds: The Commercialization of Cannabis
  • The Medical Marijuana Dispensary: Understanding, Medicating, and Cooking with Cannabis

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