Description
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.
Course Curriculum
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Cannabis Business Course Overview
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Business of Cannabis Additional Resources
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History, Science, and Law of Cannabis Overview
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History and Policies of Cannabis
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Federal vs State Law
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Scientific Research on Cannabis
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Mastery Exercise for History, Science, and Law of Cannabis
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Cannabis Products and Methods of Ingestion Overview
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Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis
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Introduction to Extractions
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Methods of Ingestion & Delivery Systems
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Cannabis Products and Methods of Ingestion Optional Project
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Mastery Exercise for Cannabis Products and Methods of Ingestion
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The Business of Cannabis Cultivation Overview
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Plant Physiology
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Cultivation Business Components
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Cultivation Licensing and Facility Regulations
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Cultivation Financial Management
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The Business of Cannabis Cultivation Optional Project
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Master Exercise for The Business of Cannabis Cultivation
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The Economics Behind Cannabis Overview
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Economics and Public Policy
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The Economics of Legalization
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The New Cannabis Economy
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The Fight Against Legalization
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Financial Barriers in the Cannabis Economy
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Economics Optional Project: Economic and Policy Landscape Analysis
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Economics Optional Project: Cannabis Market Research
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Mastery Exercise for The Economics Behind Cannabis
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Business Startup Overview
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Writing a Business Plan
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Choosing a Business Model
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Brand Marketing
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Intellectual Property
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Business Startup Optional Project: Outline Your Business Plan
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Mastery Exercise for Business Startup
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Business Management Overview
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Business Registration and Licensing
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Financial Management
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Employee Hiring and Management
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Business Management Optional Project: Budget Your Business
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Mastery Exercise for Business Management
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Advocacy Overview
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The Importance of Advocacy
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Federal Drug Policy and the Supremacy Clause
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Value of Engagement and Effective Advocacy Strategy
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Looking Forward to the Future of Cannabis Advocacy
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Advocacy Optional Project: Explore Advocacy Opportunities
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Mastery Exercise for Advocacy
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Cannabis Business Final Exam
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Course Survey