New Jersey’s Cannabis Training Academy Enrolls Over 1,000 Students Since October Launch

State-Backed Program Helps Entrepreneurs Navigate Cannabis Licensing and Business Development

The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) has reported that over 1,000 students have enrolled in its Cannabis Training Academy (CTA) since its launch on October 16, 2024. The free online program, supported by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC), is designed to assist aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs, industry workers, and business owners in understanding and complying with New Jersey’s cannabis regulations.

Program Offers Comprehensive Business Education

The CTA provides flexible, self-paced online courses that cover essential topics such as:

• The cannabis licensing application process
• Municipal approvals and zoning requirements
• Raising capital for cannabis businesses
• Post-licensing operations and compliance
• Conditional conversion support for businesses transitioning from conditional to full licenses

Participants can access pre-recorded webinars and live virtual Q&A sessions with industry experts, with plans to introduce in-person workshops in the near future.

“The Cannabis Training Academy offers invaluable resources that help small business owners go through the process of legal cannabis business management,” said Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. “The insights provided will help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and get their business on the right track from the start. With the right knowledge and tools, we are fostering a more inclusive and sustainable cannabis industry in New Jersey.”

Eligibility and Impact Zone Focus

The program is open to all New Jersey residents over 21 years old, with the first three modules available to anyone interested in cannabis business development. However, the CTA prioritizes entrepreneurs in NJ-CRC-designated Impact Zones, areas disproportionately affected by past cannabis enforcement policies.

Those who live in an Impact Zone, plan to establish a cannabis business in one, or intend to hire employees from these areas can access an additional seven levels of coursework, which include over 60 specialized classes.

“The number of CTA registrations, in just a few short months after launch, underscores the real-world demand for commercial cannabis education, one that is supported by the state’s regulatory arm, the NJ-CRC,” noted Melanie Willoughby, executive director of the NJBAC.

How to Enroll

New Jersey residents over 21 who are interested in joining the program can register and find more information at: nj.gov/state/bac/cannabis-training/about

With the rapid enrollment numbers and continued expansion, the CTA aims to support a growing diverse and equitable cannabis industry across New Jersey.