This stand-alone course is being offered for those who only wish to have The Economics content from the Business of Cannabis certification program. If you are seeking a business certification, you will still need to complete and pass the economics lessons in The Business of Cannabis certification sequence. There are no scheduled times. You may complete the modules on your own schedule, and you will have 180 days to complete the course.

This course defines economic principles as they pertain to cannabis markets, which are heavily influenced by laws and regulations. The course then discusses the economic benefits and financial barriers the cannabis industry experiences. Learn how to facilitate the discussion about the economics of regulating cannabis businesses. Macroeconomic aspects of past, current, and future cannabis laws, regulations and markets will also be reviewed.

Learning Outcomes:

• What is Economics: Gain a basic understanding of general economic concepts and how public policy impacts markets.
• The Economics of Legalization: Define the markets that exist in the cannabis industry, including black markets, grey markets, and white markets, and how those markets have evolved in states that have rolled out adult use and/or medical regulation.
• The New Cannabis Economy: Recognize the positive economic impact of emerging medical and adult-use cannabis industry and identify some of the unintended negative consequences of legalization.
• Who is Fighting Legalization and Why: Review the history of cannabis prohibition in the U.S. and identify the stakeholders who have typically advocated against legalization.
• Financial Barriers in the Cannabis Economy: Identify financial restrictions unique to cannabis businesses and discuss how those restrictions have impacted the evolution of the cannabis economy.