Certification Program – This course is for students who would rather take the course online instead of on campus. There are no scheduled times, you may complete the modules on your own schedule, and you will have 180 days to complete the course. A certificate of completion may be printed upon successfully passing the final exam.

Oaksterdam University’s The Business of Cannabis Online Course provides the most comprehensive education available for entering the Cannabis Industry. This course consists of resources, presentations, and mastery exercises developed by industry leaders. It is designed for anyone looking to learn about the cannabis industry and what to look for to start a business within the industry. Click on the Curriculum tab above for the full list of lessons in this course.

Course Overview

Module 1 gives a historical overview of cannabis use that reaches back thousands of years, before transitioning into the recent political history and laws regarding federal prohibition and state regulation. It then dispels the myth that there is a lack of scientific research, highlighting the safety and efficacy of cannabis in comparison to other conventional medicines.

Module 2 illustrates how the cannabis plant affects the human endocannabinoid system, describing both the therapeutic and potential side effects. The course then details the various methods of extraction for the purpose of creating cannabis products, as well as the methods that humans can ingest those products.

Module 3 reviews all the primary elements needed to launch and successfully run a commercial cannabis cultivation operation, covering a wide variety of topics such as cultivation science, design, financing, licensing, and regulations.

Module 4 defines economics principles as they pertain to cannabis markets, which are heavily influenced by laws and regulations. The module then discusses the economic benefits and financial barriers the cannabis industry experiences.

Module 5 takes the student through the steps of first choosing a cannabis business model and then developing a business plan around their chosen model. The module finishes with the creation of a brand identity that reflects the student’s vision, mission, and values.

Module 6 takes the business plan developed in Module 5 and puts it into action, showing the student how to launch and oversee the daily operations of an effective and efficient cannabis business. In this module, the student learns about special licensing and permit acquisition, the value of budgeting and financial management, standard operating procedures, hiring practices, ethical operations, and leadership.

Module 7 talks about advocates, who in the past risked arrest and prosecution to educate the public about the benefits of cannabis and provide medicine to patients in need. Advocates played a central role in the creation and evolution of the cannabis industry. This module defines advocacy as a form of marketing, reviews the role of advocates and organizations in normalizing cannabis adult-use and achieving meaningful pro-cannabis policy reform, and then provides strategies and techniques for engaging effectively as an advocate. The module concludes with an exploration of the recent influx of influential investors in the cannabis industry and the surprising interest from former political opponents.