The cannabis industry is booming. And that means there are thousands of new job openings each year as the laws continue to evolve. With this expansion comes educational needs and opportunities. Many universities, community colleges, online schools, and local training centers have joined the “boom” by offering courses and certifications in the field of cannabis. 

If you’re interested in a career in the marijuana industry, now is the perfect time to start. And one of the best ways to leverage your skills in the market is with specialized education. 

You don’t even need to change your current schedule. Online cannabis industry training is flexible and convenient, so you can maintain your full-time job and gain cannabis certifications simultaneously. Here is GreenCore’s list of the top six online educational opportunities in cannabis.

#6 Pharmacology University

Pharmacology University has been providing medical cannabis education for over 14 years. And the company has certified over 10,000 students around the world. Classes on the platform are available in five different languages. This website offers some of the most unique cannabis certification courses we’ve come across. A few of these include:

• Cannabis and Obesity
• Anxiety Depression and Sleep Disorders
• Cannabinoids and Medicine
• Cannabis and Sexuality
• Medical Cannabis and Pets
• Cannabis and Nutrition
• Hemp and Medical Marijuana Real Estate Business Considerations

There are over 150 educational products on the site, including videos, ebooks, journals, and more. Costs are based on three very reasonably priced membership levels. However, students can also take stand-alone courses for one flat price.
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#5 Oaksterdam University

One of the most well-known online cannabis industry education platforms is Oaksterdam University, which prides itself on being “the first cannabis college in the US.” It was founded in 2007 and offers several courses in four key areas:

• Budtending
• Business of Cannabis
• Horticulture
• Extraction and Manufacturing

While OU’s attendance cost is a bit higher than other schools, its stellar reputation means an Oaksterdam certification will look fantastic on your resume.

If you are near Oakland, California, Oaksterdam also offers in-person classes. The on-campus training follows the same curriculum as the online courses. Additionally, payment plans are available for those without immediate funds.

Recently, Oaksterdam University and Golden Gate University joined an exciting educational partnership. Students can use credits earned through Oaksterdam’s Certification Courses toward a GGU Bachelor’s Degree program. It’s the first collaboration of its kind in the country!
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#4 THC University

THC University is the perfect platform for people brand new to the cannabis industry. That’s because all of THC University’s programs are geared towards beginners. You don’t need working experience in cannabis at all to get started. 

Some of the industry’s most respected names have partnered with THCU. They offer nine certificate programs as well as live student Q&A sessions with industry experts like Jorge Cervantes. All programs are delivered entirely online and can be completed at your own pace. They include:

• Introduction to CBD
• Terpenes: The Healing Link between Essential Oils and Cannabis
• Budtender Basics Certification
• Marijuana 101 Certification
• Grow Basics Certification
• Horticulture Specialist Certification
• Cannabis Business Certification
• Colorado Safety and Regulations Certification
• Washington Safety and Regulations Certification

THC University is an inexpensive way to understand the cannabis industry better. If you aren’t sure where to begin or if you will love it, THCU is a great place to start. An added benefit is the job board exclusive to certified THCU students.

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#3 Clover Leaf University

Clover Leaf University is the only cannabis school licensed and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s Private Occupational School Board. It was established in 2009, so Clover Leaf has offered online cannabis certification programs for over twelve years. CLU claims to be “The world’s first cannabis and hemp university.” 
CLU provides some of the highest quality cannabis industry training available today. They also offer an extensive school catalog, including a General Education Cannabis Program Certification, a stand-alone Cannabis Science and Testing certification, and many others. Here are just a few:

• Dispensary Management Procedures
• Cannabis Responsible Vendor Safety Training Program
• Understanding the Laws
• Cannabis Cultivation Program Certification
• Chemistry for Hash Makers 
• Cannabis Budtender Certification 
• Responsible Cultivator Certification
• Intro to Greenhouse Cultivation
• Cannabis Breeding 101
• industrial Hemp Cultivation
• Cannabis Culinary Certification
• Cannabis Business Consulting

“We have aided in the training and consulting for countless government agencies on their legislative and regulatory procedures for every legal state since the inception of the industry,” states CLU on their website. A certification from Clover Leaf University can give you a substantial advantage over the competition when pursuing your dream job in the cannabis industry.
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#2 Cannabis Training University

Cannabis Training University (CTU) began offering cannabis industry training courses in 2009. Today, they have one of the most extensive program selections available. Tens of thousands of curious students have graduated from CTU, making it one of the most respected institutions in the industry. 
CRU prides itself in being “The ONLY cannabis training school with updated laws and regulations from around the world!” They offer training to 47 countries specific to the laws and standards of that country. Some of the programs at CTU include:

• Master of Cannabis Certification Program
• Indoor Marijuana Growing Certification
• Outdoor Marijuana Growing Certification
• Medical Marijuana Certification
• Marijuana 101 Certification
• Budtender Certification
• Cannabis Cooking Certification
• Cannabis Extraction Certification
• How to Open a Dispensary Certification
• How to Open a Cannabis Business Certification

An impressive online Master of Cannabis program is also available at CTU. The 42-hour program includes ten certificates and only costs $299. It can be completed in seven days if you take the courses full-time.
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#1 Greenflower

Green Flower offers online cannabis industry training for individuals and businesses. They describe themselves as an “Online training and education platform empowering the next evolution of the cannabis industry.” They have been offering training since 2014.
What makes Green Flower stand out is its University Certificate Programs. These Programs are 24 weeks long and are administered through university partners. Three eight-week courses focus on specific sectors within the industry. In addition, six start dates per year are available in four specialized areas:

• Cannabis Healthcare & Medicine
• The Business of Cannabis
• Cannabis Agriculture and Horticulture
• Cannabis Law and Policy

Green Flower also offers the coveted Gangier cannabis sommelier certification through their platform. This multi-tiered certification is intended to produce a new class of cannabis professionals through rigorous, multi-tiered test preparation and instruction by some of the most respected names in the industry.
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Closing Thoughts

Whether it be growing cannabis, cannabis culinary arts, budtending, managing a dispensary, or some other fascinating work in the field, there are many opportunities to learn. Pursuing a career in the booming hemp industry is a smart move. And with so many certifications available, there’s no reason not to increase your skills and knowledge. We encourage you to check out all the educational providers above and have a look at what they offer!