Education
Our education resources can train you for a career in the Cannabis industry, the fastest-growing sector for job growth in the United States. Explore some of the best cannabis degree programs, as well as, cannabis certificates and cannabis microcredentials.
What are the types of cannabis degrees?
In the growing cannabis industry, universities and colleges offer degrees and certificates covering a range of topics, including science, business, and medicine. Programs can prepare students for various jobs, from cultivation and extraction to marketing and compliance.
Scientific and horticultural degrees:
These degrees focus on the biology, chemistry, and production of the cannabis plant.
- Medicinal Plant Chemistry: Programs in this field focus on the extraction and analysis of botanical compounds. Coursework typically includes chemistry, biology, and laboratory experience.
- Example: Northern Michigan University offers a Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Plant Chemistry.
- Cannabis Biology and Chemistry: This type of degree provides a foundational understanding of the chemical and biological principles behind cannabis science. The curriculum covers plant physiology, growth, and practical applications for working in the industry.
- Example: Colorado State University Pueblo offers a Bachelor of Science in Cannabis Biology and Chemistry.
- Cannabis Horticulture: This focuses on cannabis production from cultivation to harvest. Students learn about soils, plant nutrition, pest management, and post-harvest processing.
- Example: The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology offers an Associate Degree in Cannabis Horticulture.
Business and entrepreneurship degrees:
These programs prepare students to manage the economic and regulatory side of the cannabis market.
- Cannabis Business: Curricula often include marketing, accounting, business management, and compliance training specific to the cannabis sector.
- Example: Johnson & Wales University offers a Bachelor of Science in Cannabis Entrepreneurship, while Lake Superior State University offers both B.S. and B.B.A. programs in Cannabis Business.
- Cannabis Commerce: Graduate-level programs, like an M.B.A. concentration, focus on the commercialization of cannabis, including cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, and retail practices.
- Example: Rowan University offers a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Cannabis Commercialization.
Medical and health-focused degrees:
These degrees are designed for healthcare professionals, researchers, and others interested in the therapeutic applications of cannabis.
- Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics: This is often a graduate-level degree focusing on the knowledge needed to support patients and the medical cannabis industry. Coursework can include pharmacology, clinical applications, and policy.
- Example: The University of Maryland offers a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics.
- Medical Cannabis Therapeutics: Some master’s programs specifically prepare healthcare professionals to educate, coach, and advocate for cannabis patients using science and holistic approaches.
- Example: The Pacific College of Health and Science offers a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics.
General cannabis studies:
Some degrees offer a broader, interdisciplinary look at cannabis.
- Cannabis Studies Minor: A minor in cannabis studies can focus on the social, legal, and historical aspects of cannabis.
- Example: Stockton University offers a Minor in Cannabis Studies.
- Cannabis and Culture Minor: This minor explores the socio-cultural, political, and economic contexts that influence cannabis use.
- Example: Western Illinois University offers a Cannabis and Culture Minor.
Certificates and courses:
For those who do not want to commit to a full degree, many schools offer shorter-term certificate programs and individual courses.
- Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate: A program that offers an understanding of cultivation best practices.
- Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate: This trains students on the retail side of the cannabis industry, including dispensary management.
- Cannabis Extraction & Product Development Certificate: This covers the manufacturing of various cannabis products, such as edibles and tinctures.
- Medical Cannabis Certificate: A program for health professionals that focuses on the therapeutic use of cannabis and related pharmacology.