Business of Cannabis (Self‑Paced)
About Our Program
A Broad Overview of America’s Fastest-Growing Industry
America’s cannabis industry is sweeping the nation, selling $25 billion in products and creating more than 107,000 new jobs last year. In addition to positions directly related to the plant, there is a growing need for cannabis professionals in a wide range of sectors, from real estate, law, and accounting to media, marketing, and sales. A seismic shift is happening now. Our Business of Cannabis program will prepare you to meet the moment.
The cannabis industry is unlike any other. Oaksterdam’s business program focuses on how the industry operates and the myriad nuances that make it so unique to run a cannabis company in comparison to other types of businesses. It also covers compassionate and informed leadership in the sector.
Curriculum
Whether you are looking to find a job, grow a career, launch a business or invest in one, you will leave this course with a solid grasp on the overall business behind the plant. The program is designed to offer ways to engage in this emerging industry and prepare you for the risks and responsibilities you will face.
We begin by reviewing some of the foundations of cannabis, including the history of humans’ interaction with the plant and the policies which govern its production and use. We also review the efforts of the advocacy pioneers who fought for the right to access medical cannabis, and learn how we can continue that tradition in our personal and professional lives.
We discuss methods of ingesting cannabis and offer a research-based look at its therapeutic effects and potential side effects. We illustrate how the cannabis plant interacts with the human endocannabinoid system. The course then details the various methods of extraction for the purpose of creating cannabis products. We walk through the laboratory processes that isolate cannabinoids and terpenes from plant matter. We cover various ways these extracted compounds can be used in products, along with various delivery systems.
After establishing a basic understanding of processing and manufacturing, we turn to how it is grown. We review 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.
Then, we cover economic principles as they pertain to cannabis markets, which are heavily influenced by laws and regulations. We discuss the economic benefits and financial barriers the cannabis industry experiences and dive into the burgeoning CBD/Hemp-derived cannabinoid market.
Finally, we take cannabis business models and put it into action, showing you the steps required to launch an effective and efficient cannabis business. We walk through special licensing and permit acquisition, the value of budgeting and financial management, how to compliantly market and brand cannabis products. The entirety of the Business of Cannabis program incorporates ethical operations, and effective leadership into every learning outcome.
Cannabis Business Topics
Advocacy for the Cannabis Industry
History and Policies of Cannabis
Federal vs State Law
Introduction to Cannabis Science
Safety & Efficacy of Medical Cannabis
Methods of Ingestion and Delivery Systems
Introduction to the Cannabis Supply Chain
Economics of the Cannabis Industry
Cannabis Business Licensing
Branding & Marketing
Cannabis Business Risks & Protections
Cultivation Science & Compliance
Business Startup
Business Management
Facility Design Requirements
Cultivation Financial Mangement
Introduction to Extractions
CBD & the Hemp Industry
About Our Self-Paced Courses
Self-Paced Programs are asynchronous, meaning you may log on and complete the courses anytime, anywhere that is convenient for you. You can access the course online as soon as you enroll.
Programs consist of reading materials developed by our expert faculty, accompanied by videos, texts, and recommended resources.
All self-paced programs include live links to a wealth of information that allow you to dig deeper into subjects of particular interest.
Each program also includes a Virtual Video and Resource Library with corresponding recorded lectures from our faculty.
Self-paced students receive access to virtual field trips, grow labs, the Oaksterdam Alumni Network, and more.
Completion of all requirements results in OU certification.
Business of Cannabis (Self‑Paced)
Certification Program
$983
This self-paced course can be done on your own time, from anywhere in the world. Simply log on and take the modules at your own pace. The course consists of the same curriculum as our Live Semester, developed by our professional faculty, and provides companion material and recommended reading you may follow to take a deeper dive. It also includes a video and resource library complete with lectures taped during our Live Classroom experience, to appeal to different learning styles. Students have 365 days days to complete all the required materials and mastery exercises.
Certification Program
A certificate of completion may be printed upon successfully passing the final exam.
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