As cannabis use and accessibility grow nationwide, many universities have established pathways to study the business and science of the plant. Students can research cannabis and its many compounds, pharmacology, cultivation, business, marketing, public policy, and so much more.
Beyond cannabis-specific schools like Oaksterdam University and THC University, aspiring cannabis professionals have many options to choose from for their next enrollment. While we can’t possibly list every school with a cannabis program in 2025, we’ve rounded up many examples.
Lake Superior State University is home to the Cannabis Center of Excellence, which features multi-million-dollar laboratories to test plant materials. LSSU’s Cannabis Chemistry degree program is the first in the United States to focus on quantitative cannabis compound analysis. Students can obtain a baccalaureate, associate degree, or, in some cases, an American Chemical Society degree. Beyond cannabis chemistry studies, LSSU also offers degrees in cannabis business.
Available degrees/certifications:
CSU Pueblo offers a Bachelor of Science in Cannabis Biology and Chemistry. Students can gain a thorough understanding of basic chemical and biological principles that apply directly to the cannabis science field. The school offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate options that dive into hemp agriculture and analytical chemistry. Leaders in the cannabis research space, CSU Pueblo hosts the Institute of Cannabis Research Conference on campus every year and has even launched the Journal of Cannabis Research.
Available degrees/certifications:
With courses covering cultivation, extraction, the legal and regulatory landscape, and much more, Johnson and Wales offers a comprehensive cannabis program. The school offers a bachelor’s degree in cannabis entrepreneurship that promises to prepare students for a career in cannabis with a well-rounded knowledge base. In addition to courses in biology, chemistry, economics, and entrepreneurship, JWU’s Grow Lab gives students a chance to learn all about cultivation through hands-on experiences.
With graduate and undergraduate certificates in cannabis studies, Rowan University is a solid choice for students seeking comprehensive cannabis knowledge. The school offers two certificate programs covering the industry, cultivation, education, compliance, regulations, and more. Students can obtain certificates as stand-alones or add them to their existing degree program. The university also has a Cannabis Apprenticeship Training Program, a fully virtual training program for the retail sector.
Students at St. Louis University can obtain a certificate or minor in Cannabis Science and Operations. Both programs are conducted online and cover all aspects of the industry, from cultivation and production to pharmacology and beyond. Graduates of both the certificate and minor programs may find success in sales and marketing, dispensary or brand management, quality assurance, and other related fields.
Offered as a stand-alone credential or in addition to existing studies, Vermont State University’s Cannabis Studies Certificate Program offers a thorough look into the world of the cannabis business. The course covers many cannabis topics, including history, anthropology, sociology, politics, cultivation, health, business, and more. The 12-credit program will leave students ready to take on their career in cannabis with a holistic understanding of the industry.
Graduate students at the University of Baltimore can obtain a Master of Science (MS) and a Graduate Certificate to become experts in the clinical applications of the plant. The first graduate program in the United States to focus on medical cannabis applications, the two-year program combines online and in-person studies. It’s a two-semester, 12-credit program aimed at building a solid pharmacology and clinical science foundation.
All Washington State dispensaries with medical endorsements are required to staff Medical Cannabis Consultants. Seattle Central College helps students meet that need with its Medical Cannabis Consultant Certificate Program. The program is the first in the state to get approval from the Washington State Department of Health and features thorough online training for employees and employers. The school reports that its cannabis students are retail employees, doctors, nurses, patients, and patient advocates.
READ: 7 Universities That Offer A Higher Education in Cannabis Studies
While there’s no single consensus on the topic, employers generally want to hire employees with experience or a willingness to quickly gain some. Experience means a lot of different things in the cannabis industry. Some organizations heavily prefer to hire people with in-depth, hands-on experience outside of school programs–think legacy growers or those who were slinging cannabis on the street before transitioning into the legal market. But that’s not always the case.
Some employers are beginning to view cannabis certifications and degrees as valuable assets when selecting candidates. In cases where applicants have similar qualifications, a background in cannabis studies might give one candidate an edge by reducing the need for foundational training. Pursuing formal education in cannabis can also demonstrate a level of commitment and interest in the field that may not be immediately apparent through a resume or interview alone.
Cannabis credentials may not always help you get your dream job, but they certainly won’t hurt. A cannabis degree or certificate on a resume may be enough to tip the scales in your favor.
While this article covers many different options for cannabis certificates and degrees, it is not a comprehensive list. Those interested in studying cannabis in higher education should look into the many options and see what complements their plan of study best. Fortunately, as cannabis legalization continues to expand across the country, more universities are pivoting to include cannabis coursework in their programs.
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