Top Cannabis Nurse Programs
The top Cannabis Nurse Programs train professionals to work in the fastest-growing industry in the US, expected to become a multi-billion dollar market by 2028.
Cannabis nursing is a growing interest for nurses looking to practice holistic nursing care. It’s also a way for nurses to help patients with complex medical needs that do not respond to more traditional therapies. As regulations and laws shift, cannabis nurses are in an excellent position to serve patients in a rapidly evolving field. We have found some of the best cannabis degree programs for nurses.
This article was originally published May 20, 2025 and was last updated August 24, 2025.
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The two-year Master of Science (M.S.) in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program is the nation’s first graduate program dedicated to the study of medical cannabis. It blends online instruction with face-to-face experiences at the Universities at Shady Grove. The program is designed to be completed in two years. The Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy provides the flexibility of learning in an online environment. The program is designed to be completed in one year.
- Campus Location: Baltimore, Maryland
- Program: Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy and MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics
- Credit: 12 credits for certificate, MS is 30 credits
- Delivery: online and in person
- Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Program Cost: $679 to $837 per credit
The University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine offers a professional certificate in cannabis and medicine filled the need for evidence-based cannabis education. This seven-week, online professional certificate is designed for professionals looking to better understand how plant chemicals are created, and how they affect the human body.
- Campus Location: Burlington, Vermont
- Program: Cannabis Science and Medicine Professional Certificate
- Credit: 7-week online program
- Delivery: online
- Institutional Accreditation: New England Commission Higher Education
- Program Cost: $2,250
The Innovative Education and Partnerships at FGCU offer an online cannabis professional Certificate in Medical Cannabis program that takes four weeks to complete. It’s open to health professionals and others interested in learning more about the cannabis industry.
- Campus Location: Florida
- Program: Certificate in Medical Cannabis
- Credit: 8 Course Hrs
- Delivery: online
- Institutional Accreditation:
- Program Cost: $100
The Cannabis Nurses Network is a professional association for cannabis nurses that offers workshops, continuing education courses, and career development resources specifically for nurses.
- Campus Location: San Diego, California
- Program: various Cannabis Nursing Programs & Education
- Credit: classes and certificates
- Delivery: online
- Institutional Accreditation: NA
- Program Cost: varies
The ACNA is another professional association that offers its members training and practice resources for cannabis nurses. If you’re a nurse interested in entering the field of cannabis nursing, the best first step is to familiarize yourself with the foundational standards of the profession. The Cannabis Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice, is the official publication co-published by the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA). This essential guide outlines the core competencies, ethical principles, and professional expectations for nurses practicing in this emerging specialty.
- Campus Location:
- Program: various Cannabis Nursing Programs & Education
- Credit: classes and certificates
- Delivery: online
- Institutional Accreditation: NA
- Program Cost: varies
Through ed2go, Western Carolina University offers a medical cannabis certificate. The course provides opportunities for those seeking to learn more about the medicinal benefits of cannabis and employment in this field.
- Campus Location: online
- Program: Certificate in Medical Cannabis
- Credit: 8 Course Hrs
- Delivery: online with 6 week access
- Institutional Accreditation: NA
- Program Cost: $89.00
The fully online MS program provides students with the knowledge in cannabis medicine, science, business, policies, and social aspects. Strenghten the skills required to support patients, add to existing research, and develop innovative cannabis business models.
- Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Program: Master of Science (MS) in Medical Cannabis Science & Business
- Credit: 33 credits
- Delivery: online
- Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Program Cost: $89.00
The continuing education credits at Nursing CE are the perfect introduction for nurses who wish to support their patients. NursingCE (by ATI) offers a 1.5 credit-hour course titled Medical Marijuana and Cannabinoid Use for RNs and LPNs for just $8.
- Campus Location: online
- Program: Master of Science (MS) in Medical Cannabis Science & Business
- Credit: 33 credits
- Delivery: online
- Institutional Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Program Cost: $8.00
What is a Cannabis Nurse?
Unlike nurses in other specialties, cannabis nurses generally don’t perform direct patient care like taking vital signs or administering medications. Unless specifically authorized by law, they cannot acquire cannabis for patients or administer it directly.
Instead, cannabis nurses often spend their time counseling and advising patients about the safe use of medical cannabis. They may also work with other providers on planning, dosing, and evaluating a patient’s response to cannabis products.
Why Attend a Cannabis Nursing Program?
Attending a cannabis nursing program can be beneficial for nurses seeking to expand their knowledge and expertise in a rapidly growing field. It allows them to provide specialized care to patients using cannabis for medical purposes, navigate the evolving legal landscape, and potentially lead to new career opportunities within the cannabis industry.
The American Nurses Association (ANA), representing the interests of the nation’s more than 5 million nurses, announces the formal recognition of cannabis nursing as a nursing specialty. Cannabis nursing is identified by the American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) as a specialty nursing practice focused on the care of health care consumers seeking education and guidance in the therapeutic use of cannabis.
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