10 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 2028. 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 offer ways to become a cannabis chef and to get certified to make edibles. 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.
This article was originally published January 30, 2023 and last updated on December 31, 2025.
Table of Contents
1. American Culinary Federation
Specialized Certificate of Culinary Cannabis and Edibles
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. It is as close to a cannabis culinary school as you can get 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. This cannabis cooking certification exam was written and reviewed by industry-recognized subject matter experts.
- Location: headquarters in Jacksonville, FL
- Credit: certificate and a verifiable digital badge
- Delivery: online
- Accreditation:
- Cost: $195 – $249 to purchase exam
2. NYU School of Professional Studies
Cooking With Cannabis course
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 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. This culinary cannabis class is online, but typically in a live or synchronous format over eight weeks. However, sessions may change each semester.
- Location: New York, New York
- Credit: 2 Continuing Education Units (CEU)
- Delivery: Online, 8 weeks
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $560
3. SUNY Niagra
Culinary Cannabis Skills Certification
This Culinary Cannabis Skills certification prepares you to take the exam and earn the American Culinary Federation’s Specialized Certificate in Culinary Cannabis. Most classes are held in the cutting-edge kitchen facilities at the Niagara Falls Culinary Institute. However, some are at SUNY Niagara’s horticulture classrooms, greenhouse, and outdoor field spaces.
- Location: Niagra, New York
- Credit: 30 credits, 2 semesters
- Delivery: in-person
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Cost: $214 to $428 per credit
4. Cannabis Training University
Cannabis Cooking Certificate
The Cannabis Training University (CTU) is an online cannabis college offering comprehensive training on the responsible use, handling, and cultivation of marijuana. CTU’s Cannabis Cooking Certification offers over 300 informative lessons and videos. Students learn 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.
- Location: online with headquarters in Denver, CO
- Credit: 4.2 credits (ANSI/IACET) in one of 8 courses for the Master of Cannabis
- Delivery: online, self-paced
- Accreditation: accreditation provided by International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (ANSI/IACET)
- Cost: $299
5. Seattle Central College
Continuing Education class Cooking with Cannabis
The Academy of Cannabis Science (ACS) at Seattle Central College is the first cannabis program offered at a public college in Washington State. This program provides students with an educational foundation in the science of cannabis and its potential health benefits. Coursework, seminars, and hands-on learning gives students 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.
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Credit: NA
- Delivery: online, self-paced
- Accreditation: NA
- Cost: $99
6. Mount Wachusett Community College
Cannabis Cooking Certification Program
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 training and five courses. After completing the class students earn the Cannabis Cooking Certification, a recognized industry certification.
- Location: Gardner, MA
- Credit: 12 hrs / 5 courses / 1 yr access
- Delivery: online, self-paced
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Cost: $399
7. Holyoke Community College
Cannabis Cooking Certification Program
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.
- Location: Holyoke, MA
- Credit: 12 hrs / 5 courses / 1 yr access
- Delivery: online, self-paced
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Cost: $399
8. Trichrome Institute
Cooking With Cannabis class
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.
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Credit: 6 hrs of on-demand video
- Delivery: online, self-paced
- Accreditation: NA
- Cost: $99
9. SUNY Schenectady
Culinary Cannabis Microcredential
The State University of New York (SUNY) in Schenectady offers a non-credit Culinary Cannabis Microcredential. This three course credential provides training for entry-level culinary cannabis food service employees who are 21 years of age or older. Courses includ Culinary Cannabis and Edibles, Culinary Cannabis is Sweet, and Culinary Cannabis is Savory.
- Location: Schenectady, New York
- Credit: 3 classes
- Delivery: in-person, on campus
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Cost: no information
10. ProTrain College
Cannabis Cooking certificate
ProTrain College offers affordable online career training programs designed to prepare students for in-demand jobs. It provides flexible learning options, such as self-paced, live online, and in-classroom instruction. The school is Middle States accredited and has a focus on helping students achieve an “Education to Employment” outcome
- Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Credit: 12 hours of classes
- Delivery: online, self-paced with 12 months of access
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Cost: $419
What do you learn in a Culinary Cannabis Program?
- Preparing the Cannabis
- Storing and Cooking Cannabis
- Cannabis Extraction
- Cannabis Infusion
- Straining, Filtering, and Purging Cannabis
- Cannabis Recipes
- Understand the use of cannabis products in cooking
- Understand how to design and create products for a dispensary
- How to advise clients on the best edible products for their needs
- Plant Anatomy
- Concentrates and Extracts
- Endocannabinoid System
- Terpenes
- Math and Potency
- Safety
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) from Ganjier
- Cannabis Edibles Professional Certification (CCEP) fromt he National Career Certification Board
- Certified Cannabis Extractor (CCE)
- Certified Cannabis Infusion Specialist (CCIS) is offered through the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)
- Certified Cannabis Cooking Instructor (CCCI)
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 (and related jobs) in the cannabis industry.
Cannabis Chef
A Cannabis Chef creates edibles, cannabis-infused meals, and other food products. Catering Chefs plan and choose 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.
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. Similarly, a Cannabis Menu Developer creates menus for cannabis restaurants and other related businesses.
Salary: $74,770 (more)
Cannabis Food Scientists
A Cannabis Food Scientist develops new recipes and products for cannabis-infused foods. Many people with bachelor’s degrees in agricultural science or nuntrition work as food scientists.
Salary: $78,770 (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 (Buy on Amazon)
- Bong Appétit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed [A Cookbook] (Buy on Amazon)
- Edibles: Small Bites for the Modern Cannabis Kitchen (Buy on Amazon)
- Interpening: The Art and Science of the Cannabis Sommelier (Buy on Amazon)
- Beyond Buds, Next Generation: Cannabis Concentrates and Cannabis Infusions (Buy Here)
- Beyond Buds: Cannabis Extracts, Hash, Vaping, Dabbing, Edibles, and Medicines (Buy Here)
- Big Book of Buds Greatest Hits (Buy Here)
- Branding Buds: The Commercialization of Cannabis (Buy Here)
- The Medical Marijuana Dispensary: Understanding, Medicating, and Cooking with Cannabis (Buy Here)
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