Where Can You Get a Degree to Work in the Marijuana Industry?

The marijuana industry’s exponential growth has created numerous opportunities in the mainstream economy. But kinks in the industry, including regulatory ones, are still being worked out.

To that extent, it is still nascent and needs a professionally-trained workforce to firm up its contours. Currently, there are relatively few colleges or universities that train students in this field. Here is a brief primer on growth prospects for marijuana-related courses and colleges that offer them.

Key Takeaways

• The marijuana industry’s rapid growth is creating new high-paying jobs and business opportunities but still faces regulatory and workforce challenges.
• Colleges are beginning to offer marijuana-related programs, like Northern Michigan University’s “Medicinal Plant Chemistry” major.
• Schools such as Oaksterdam University and the University of Vermont provide specialized certifications in areas like cannabis business, horticulture, and plant biology.
• With industry potential rising, degrees in horticulture, business, and related fields can offer a pathway to success in the marijuana sector.

Why Does the Marijuana Industry Need Professionals?

More than anything else, the marijuana industry is a business opportunity. A change in public attitudes regarding the industry led to a growing realization of the numerous commercial and medicinal benefits of marijuana. For instance, cannabis is being used in trials to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for soldiers returning from war. That is in addition to the plant’s already prevalent uses as a medicine.

As states legalize marijuana, business opportunities multiply. Research firm Cowen & Co. estimated that the marijuana industry will be worth $75 billion by 2030. That will mean new jobs in businesses comprising a wide array of positions, from customer success to business development reps to chemists, botanists, and finance-related jobs. An applicant intimate with the industry’s nuances will be a natural fit for these positions.

The marijuana industry is becoming increasingly respectable and creating high-paying jobs in the process. Cannabis consultants, dispensary operators, cannabis extraction technicians, grow masters, and marijuana chefs all have the potential to earn significant amounts.

Where Can You Learn About Marijuana?

Northern Michigan University offers a degree program related to marijuana. According to the school’s website, there is a “major gap in educational opportunities available to prepare people for this field.” Students at the university can opt for the “Medicinal Plant Chemistry” undergraduate major, which has subjects that include the business and chemistry of marijuana.

These subjects include organic chemistry, plant physiology, accounting, genetics, physical geography, and financial management. At the end of the course, graduating students are ready for careers in marijuana research or to open their own marijuana-related business ventures.

The school also has a program called “Cannabis and Plant-Based Wellness Operations – Associate of Applied Science.” This program focuses on the “frontline skills” needed for careers in the industry. The program allows students to build the skills needed to “interact with and lawfully instruct others about cannabis.”

Important

Marijuana remains illegal or heavily controlled in some states, so check your local laws before investing in an education that you may not be able to use.

Oaksterdam University in California is another place to study for a career in the marijuana industry. The university advertises itself as America’s first cannabis college and offers certificate programs in subjects related to marijuana. Prospective students at the university can either opt for business- or horticulture-related subject certification.

The business certificates cover regulatory and management aspects of marijuana, while the horticulture track deals with the intricacies of growing marijuana. The Cleveland School of Cannabis, which is located in Ohio, has a similar setup and offers certificate programs, as well as online courses via Zoom.

The University of Vermont now offers a variety of online classes and certificates related to marijuana. Online cannabis science and medicine modules are available, with access to materials unlocked within 24 hours.

Furthermore, the University of Vermont grants Cannabis Science and Medicine Professional Certificates and Professional Certificates in Cannabis Plant Biology. The certificate programs are fully online, and students can finish them in less than two months.

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) allows students who major in Integrated Studies to select from a variety of courses that allow students to study the effect cannabis has on the mind, body, and society.

Moving Forward

The broad and continually evolving nature of the marijuana industry means that it is fertile ground for students from multiple subjects. To that extent, specialized degrees from other fields can also provide a foothold for growth in the industry.

For example, a degree in horticulture makes professionals knowledgeable about marijuana cultivation. Similarly, a business degree can also prepare students for careers in the industry. Realizing the industry’s potential, even the prestigious Yale School of Management has jumped into the fray. In February 2018, the Ivy League university’s business school held a conference to “discuss the opportunities and challenges of legal cannabis.”

What Qualifications Are Required for a Cannabis Industry Job?

Qualifications can vary widely depending on the role in the cannabis industry. Entry-level positions, such as trimmers or budtenders, usually only require a high school diploma or equivalent, while roles in extraction, cultivation, or product development may benefit from higher education in fields like chemistry or botany. Certification from a recognized cannabis training program can significantly enhance employability, especially in regulated markets, where knowledge of compliance and state-specific regulations is essential for higher-level roles like extraction technicians or quality control specialists.

What Skills Are Needed for a Career in Cannabis Cultivation?

Skills in horticulture, pet management, and soil science are vital for cultivation roles, as growers must manage plant health, optimize yield, and ensure regulatory compliance. Knowledge of climate control and hydroponic systems is also valuable for indoor growing environments, where careful environmental monitoring is necessary to produce high-quality plants. For advanced roles, certifications in horticulture or specialized training in cannabis agriculture can make candidates highly competitive in this field.

Are There Compliance Requirements for Jobs in the Cannabis Industry?

Yes, the cannabis industry is highly regulated, and workers in roles such as dispensary management, quality control, and product testing often need to navigate complex state and local laws. Many companies require employees to obtain state-specific work permits, while roles in compliance, quality assurance, and lab testing may require further certification. Staying updated on changing cannabis regulations and understanding key compliance standards is important for career growth in this industry.

The Bottom Line

The marijuana industry is poised to become a major contributor to the economy. As the industry matures and grows, it will need the services of a wide array of professionals and experts from multiple disciplines to hone its products for customers and deal with regulatory affairs. To fill that need, universities around the United States have begun offering courses and certifications in marijuana studies.