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 2028. 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.
This article was originally published October 1, 2022 and was last updated July 24, 2025.
Table of Contents
- 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 in Cannabis Risk Management
- What Can You Do With a Cannabis Certificate?
- Cannabis Professional Organizations for Risk Management
1. Excelsior University
Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Control
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.
- Location: Albany, New York
- Credit: 9 credits, 3 online courses, 6 months
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $695 per credit (more)
2. SUNY Canton
Course in Cannabis Control (LEST 420 CANNABIS LAW)
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.
- Location: Canton, New York
- Credit: 3 credits
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $295 per credit for New York residents (more)
3. St Joseph’s University
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
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.
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Credit: 3 online courses, 8 weeks each
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $2,550 total cost for 3 courses
4. University of Illinois Springfield
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
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. Graduates llinois cannabis compliance officer certificate
- Location: Springfield, Illinois
- Credit: 3 online courses, 8 weeks each
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $2,550 total cost for 3 courses
5. University of Nevada Reno
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
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. This is one of the best cannabis certification program in cannabis compliance education.
- Location: Reno, Nevada
- Credit: 3 online courses, 6 months
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Cost: $2,950 total cost for 3 courses
6. University of the Pacific
2 law classes Marijuana Law Seminar, The Practice and Business of Cannabis Law
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.
- Location: Stockton, California
- Credit: 3 online courses, 6 months 2 law classes Marijuana Law Seminar, The Practice and Business of Cannabis Law
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Cost: $2,950 total cost for 3 courses
7. University of Wisconsin Platteville
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
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.
- Location: Stockton, California
- Credit: 3 online courses, 6 months 2 law classes Marijuana Law Seminar, The Practice and Business of Cannabis Law
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Cost: $2,300 total cost for 3 courses
8. Syracuse University
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
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.
- Location: Syracuse, New York
- Credit: 3 online courses, 8 weeks each
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $2,997 total cost for 3 courses
9. University of San Diego
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
UNM’s cannabis regulatory program is also offered in partnership with Green Flower. The three online courses take most students six months to complete.
- Location: San Diego, California
- Credit: 3 online courses, 6 months
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of (HLC)
- Cost: $2,450 total cost for 3 courses
10. University of New Mexico
Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate
UNM’s cannabis regulatory program is also offered in partnership with Green Flower. The three online courses take most students six months to complete.
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Credit: 3 online courses, 6 months
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission of (HLC)
- Cost: $2,950 total cost for 3 courses
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, like a cannabis compliance officer, quickly as the industry grows. Keep abreast of regulatory developments within or outside of the company.
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 in Cannabis Risk Management
Cannabis certificate programs and cannabis certifications can give you a leg up in the industry. For example, the Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts offers the below certifications.
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 a few of the cannabis administration and compliance jobs.
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
Cannabis Compliance Officer
A Cannabis Compliance Officer assist the Compliance Manager to build a compliance program for the company. The average cannabis compliance officer salary is $62,500, and ranges from $45K to $105K. Read more to start your career leading compliance for all cannabis business operations.
AVERAGE SALARY: $70,000
Cannabis Compliance Managers
A Cannabis Compliance Manager, also called a Cannabis Compliance Officer, 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.
AVERAGE SALARY:$90,150
Testing Lab Managers
Make sure production goals cannabis are met and all products meet quality standards and cannabis compliance and risk management criteria. Read more to start your career as a Testing Lab Manager.
AVERAGE SALARY: $129,750
Cannabis Professional Organizations for Risk Management
- National Cannabis Risk Management Association (NCRMA)
- Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE)
- Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
Cannabis compliance and risk management training opens doors to various career prospects within the cannabis industry. Graduates can secure roles such as Cannabis Compliance Officers, Regulatory Compliance Specialists, Cannabis Operations Managers, and Compliance Analysts. These cannabis risk management professionals have a significant impact, ensuring businesses adhere to legal guidelines and operate smoothly in a highly regulated environment.
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.
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