Grow your cannabis knowledge in 2025. Save $100 on Feb classes with code EARLYBIRDFEB25

Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate

Get empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to become a respected and in-demand cannabis cultivation professional.

Taught exclusively by leading industry experts and operators, this 9-week online certificate program gives you a foundational understanding of the cannabis supply chain, as well as the skills needed to excel in the cannabis cultivation environment.

Delivered through video lectures, readings, and e-learning modules, this interactive online certificate program will ensure you have the knowledge and credibility needed to build your cannabis cultivation career, work in indoor or outdoor grow operations, or even start your own cultivation business.

Upon completion of the program, you’ll receive an official Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate backed by the GF Institute, the industry-standard in cannabis credentials. Plus, you’ll gain access to the GF Institute Employer Network, a platform of growing cannabis companies eager to hire graduates with this type of education and qualification.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from leading experts in the cannabis industry and take your career to the next level. Enroll today and join the ranks of other successful cannabis cultivation professionals!

Frequent Asked Questions

The programs are self-paced and you can register and begin the courses at any time. Once you complete your registration you’ll receive an email with course access.

Students should expect to dedicate around six hours per week to complete coursework in this program.

These programs are currently not eligible for federal aid, however we do offer a payment plan.

Student Testimonial Spotlight

Cultivation technician analyzing cannabis stock
Next Start Date
--/--/--

3 Units 

9 weeks

100% Online

Learn at your own pace

Full Payment Option

$799

Three Payment Installment Option

$283.34 /month

Save My Seat

$300

Share With Your Network

Webinar

Learn More About the Cannabis Programs

Cannabis Creates New Careers and Skill Demands​

NEW JOBS EXPECTED IN NEW YORK IN 2023
0

New York is expected to add between 6,000 and 8,000 jobs over the coming year, with an average of 130 new jobs every week.

Source: Vangst Jobs Report 2023

MARKET IN NEW YORK BY THE END OF 2023
$ 0 M

In 2023, the state of New York is expected to reach between $500 million and $600 million in legal cannabis sales. 

Source: Vangst Jobs Report 2023

FULL TIME JOBS
0

In 2022, there were over 417,000 full-time employees in the cannabis industry in the United States.

Source: Vangst Jobs Report 2023

JOB GROWTH
0 %

For five years in a row the cannabis industry grew by more than 27%, making it one of the fastest growing industries in the country.

Source: Leafly Jobs Report 2022

Webinar

Learn More About the Cannabis Programs

In this comprehensive webinar, you will learn about the cannabis industry, job opportunities, and how these programs can help you join this fast-growing industry.

Discover A New Career Path in Cannabis Cultivation

100% Online | No Prerequisites 

Cultivation technician tending cannabis clones

Expert Cannabis Educators

Learn From Industry Pioneers

Discover the secrets of the booming cannabis industry with engaging video content led by industry pioneers and leading experts. These experts possess extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of the industry and have played a vital role in shaping this emerging field. With their unique insights and research, you will have an unparalleled educational opportunity to master the latest trends and best practices in the cannabis industry. Learn from the best, hone your skills, and achieve your cannabis career goals.

The Highest Standards for Online Learning

We are committed to providing you with expert education that can be applied in a real-world setting. Our cutting-edge curriculum is designed to equip you with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the cannabis industry. Our team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of our course is optimized for effective learning and retention. With our carefully crafted curriculum, you can be confident that you are receiving an exceptional educational experience that will prepare you for success in the rapidly expanding cannabis industry.

Author picture

Dr. Reggie Gaudino

Chief Scientific Officer, Front Range Biosciences

Dr. Reggie Gaudino oversees all scientific research and development for Front Range Biosciences, and together the team at Front Range Biosciences applies the research to the development of new and improved Cannabis cultivars.  

Author picture

Shane Terry

CEO, TapRoots Brands

Shane operates over 12 licenses including cultivation, production, dispensaries and distribution. He also leads Nevada’s growth as the previous President of the Nevada Dispensary Association.

Author picture

Kevin Jodrey

Owner, Wonderland Nursery

Kevin is a world-renowned champion breeder and genetics specialist, owner of famed Wonderland Nursery, and co-founder of The Ganjier and Golden Tarp Awards. He is one of the most well known growers in Humboldt County and is an internationally respected cannabis expert

Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Courses

Unit 1: Cannabis Industry Fundamentals

Discover how the cannabis industry actually works, from seed to sale, including the business of cultivation, distribution, manufacturing, and lab testing. Achieve a strong understanding of the cannabis supply chain, so you can speak confidently to others in the industry, and successfully work within many different roles and verticals.

  • Hygiene and Personnel Best Practices 
  • Product Safety 
  • Packaging and Labeling 
  • Sanitation and Cleaning 
  • Pest Control 

Unit 2: Cannabis Cultivation Skills & Best Practices

Gain an in-depth understanding of the cannabis plant and how to grow it commercially. You will begin by understanding the botany and genetics of cannabis before diving into best practices for growing, harvesting, processing and curing. Upon completion of this unit, you will have a solid understanding of what it takes to grow high quality, commercial cannabis.

  • The Business of Cannabis Cultivation
  • Botany and Genetics of the Cannabis Plant
  • Seeds, Germination, and Transplanting 
  • Cloning, Living Soil, and Growing Media
  • Light Sources and Watering Essentials
  • Vegetative and Flowering Cycles
  • Pests, Diseases and Threats
  • Harvesting, Trimming, Processing, Curing and Storage

Unit 3: Compliance & Operations

Learn all about compliance, which is essential if you want to work in cannabis. You’ll get trained on health and safety best practices for cannabis workers, compliantly receiving and transporting cannabis products, maintaining product safety, the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion in cannabis, and much more. The cannabis industry is heavily regulated and most people simply don’t understand the rules, so acquiring this knowledge will truly help you stand out from the pack.

  • Production and Facility Maintenance
  • Irrigation, Water Use, and Environmental Sustainability
  • Transportation Requirements
  • Best Practice Security Procedures
  • Inventory Tracking
  • The Importance of Documentation and Recordkeeping
  • Product Testing, and Storage

PLUS: Responsible Vendor Training

With the growing demand for skilled employees in the cannabis industry, it is critical to ensure all workers are trained to operate legally and responsibly. Our Responsible Vendor Training (RVT) will help you stand out to employers by showcasing that you’ve already completed the necessary training required for cannabis workers in the state of Massachusetts. 

  • Effects of Cannabis on the Human Body
  • Cannabis Control Commission 
  • Medical Marijuana
  • Checking IDs
  • Code of Massachusetts Regulations
  • Health and Safety Best Practices
  • Waste Disposal
  • Patient and Consumer Allotment & Right to Refuse Sales
  • Inventory Tracking
  • Transportation and Delivery
  • Business Records
  • Labeling
  • Enforcement & Discipline
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

Discover A New Career Path in Cannabis Cultivation

Gain advanced job skills and knowledge to excel in a cultivation role in the cannabis industry.

Cultivation Specialist trimming cannabis

Keep In Touch

Not ready to enroll? Sign up to stay in the loop about Saint Joseph’s cannabis certificates and upcoming enrollment dates.

Call-rep-guy.png

I consent to receiving emails from Saint Joseph’s University and their partner Green Flower about special offers and other products or services. I can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link found at the bottom of each email.

Cannabis Certificate Program Pre-Recorded Webinar

Share this page

In this webinar you will learn:

  • The current and future stats about the cannabis industry
  • The exciting career opportunities in cannabis
  • The skills and knowledge you need to succeed
  • Information about this cannabis program and how to get started

Discover A New Career Path in Cannabis Cultivation

Get empowered with the knowledge and skills needed to become a respected and in-demand cannabis cultivation professional.

Cultivation Specialist trimming cannabis