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Are you interested in earning industry credentials at an affordable price? Do you want to get certified to join the world's fastest-growing industry? If so, enrolling in a cannabis education program can prepare you to work or start a business in cannabis.

Students can choose from various industry training institutes, depending on their budget, schedule, location, and area of interest. Let's compare the most popular marijuana schools to determine which one is the best for you.

Comparing Cannabis Schools – Which One is Best?

What is the best cannabis education program? It depends on various factors, including your skill level and budget. Whether you are looking to learn how to use cannabis as medicine or start a cannabis business, you can choose from various on-site and online training programs.

Cannabis Training University (Online)

No. of Certificates 9

Since 2009, Cannabis Training University has been the leading cannabis education program in the world. As the country's first online marijuana school, CTU has experience providing comprehensive and online-based training solutions for students of all skill levels at an affordable price.

CTU is the only international IACET accredited cannabis school.

Students get anywhere from 12 weeks to unlimited weeks (can add month to month unlimited at any time) of access to the Accredited Master of Cannabis Certification Program, featuring eight courses and ten certifications covering cannabis medicine, cultivation, extraction, cooking, careers, business, and law.

Our online cannabis career training programs are created by industry leaders and is regularly updated to reflect the latest cannabis laws, rules and regulations, research, and technologies. 

*No other cannabis college updates the US, Canada and worldwide cannabis laws as Cannabis Training University does. Why is Cannabis Training University always #1 when searching for the best cannabis schools? Read on to learn why.

Oaksterdam University (Oakland, CA)

Oaksterdam University, founded in 2007, provides students with cannabis education on various topics, including cannabis business, cultivation, and policy. Learn through several modules and assessments to pass a final certification exam. (Not accredited)

THC University (Online)

THC University offers online classes and certification programs covering CBD, terpenes, budtending, cultivation, safety regulations, and business. (Not accredited, not updated in years, claim to have more courses than they do, DOES NOT WORK ON MOBILE PHONES, BUYER BEWARE)

Cannabis Training Institute (Online)

Cannabis Training Institute is geared towards entrepreneurs. CTI provides courses on businesses, employee training, and other aspects of operating a business. (Not accredited)

Clover Leaf University (Online & Denver, CO)

Cloverleaf University provides students with seminars, workshops, live webinars, and scheduled classes covering various cannabis topics, including cannabis business, cultivation, budtending, and more. (Only Colorado accredited)

Green CulturED (Online)

GreenCulturED, based in Denver, offers “eLearning solutions” on various cannabis topics, including cultivation, medicine, dispensary management, and more. (Not accredited)

Price of Cannabis Schools

  • Cannabis Training University provides the Master of Cannabis Certification Program, featuring eight courses, for only $199 ($999 value), the best value compared to other cannabis colleges. CTU is providing the most affordable cannabis courses that are more thorough than courses that 4 year colleges sell for thousands of dollars!
  • Cannabis Training Institute enrollment is between $229 and $399 per course with nothing updated in the past many years. (not accredited)
  • Oaksterdam University courses are between $700 and $2,995. (not accredited)
  • THC University enrollment costs between $179 and $287 for a completely outdated program.(has not been updated since 2016) (not accredited, does not work on mobile phones)
  • GreenCulturED enrollment is between $297 and $697 per course or certification with no known industry connections or value. (not updated or accredited)
  • Clover Leaf University’s standalone classes are between $499 to $2,000 for certifications.

Course Offerings

  • Cannabis Training University: Cultivation, Cooking, Career, Medicine, Budtending Certification, Law, Business, Extraction, Cannabis Jobs, CBD, Hemp, Compliance, Laws for all US States, Canada, and worldwide, Safety, Regulations, Indoor and Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation, Terpenes and more.
  • Cannabis Training Institute: Cultivation, Business, Edibles, Budtending, Dispensary Management
  • Oaksterdam University: Cultivation, Business, Budtending, CBD and Hemp
  • Clover Leaf University: Budtending, Cultivation, Laws, Business
  • GreenCulturED: Cultivation, Medicine, Laws, Workplace Safety, Management
  • THC University: CBD, Terpenes, Budtending, Cultivation, Safety Regulations, Business 

Instructional Cannabis Videos

  • Cannabis Training University provides over 200 high-definition videos featuring leaders in the industry (more video content than all other cannabis schools combined).
  • Cannabis Training Institute does not include videos or e-books. They offer a slide-based program.
  • Oaksterdam University provides classroom-style learning, very few videos.
  • Clover Leaf University offers live classes or slideshows.
  • GreenCulturED has 24 videos. 
  • THC University provides 3 videos but mostly slideshows.

Cannabis E-Books

  • Cannabis Training University provides up to 8 ebooks written by Ed Rosenthal, the “Guru of Ganja., and 72 other downloadable resources, more than all other cannabis schools combined!”
  • Cannabis Training Institute: Slideshows, no ebooks.
  • Oaksterdam University: 1 book
  • THC University: Slideshows, no ebooks
  • GreenCulturED: 3 books
  • Clover Leaf University: Slideshows, no ebooks

Why Cannabis Training University Provides the Best Value By Far

First Online Cannabis College in the World

Cannabis Training University has been a world leader in online cannabis education since 2009.

Only IACET/ANSI Internationally Accredited Cannabis College.

First to market, first online cannabis college way back in 2009.

Distinguished Cannabis Faculty

Our esteemed faculty includes top cannabis growers, cannabis extractors, entrepreneurs, budtenders, edibles chefs, cannabis lawyers, and other leaders in the multi-billion dollar cannabis industry.

Best Value of Cannabis School

For a small investment, CTU provides the best value in terms of course content and quality compared to other cannabis colleges. 

Most Graduates in Cannabis Jobs

Join tens of thousands of other CTU alumni who have graduated with flying colors, many of which have found careers or started cannabis businesses.

Comprehensive Cannabis Curriculum

Our multidisciplinary curriculum covers the most important aspects of the industry, including cannabis cultivation, extraction, cooking, law, medicine, careers, and business.

Cannabis Educational Resources

Explore hundreds of hours of HD videos, ebooks, downloadable handouts, handy calculators, cannabis resume template, cannabis cover letter template and many other educational resources. 

24/7 Support

Get 24/7 assistance throughout your enrollment from a CTU representative.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cannabis Education

You are ready to start a hobby, career, or business in cannabis and want to find a reputable cannabis training program, but you don’t know which one’s the best. Consider these factors to find a suitable education program.

  • Price: Cannabis training programs can cost just a few bucks to thousands of dollars, depending on the course/program. Beyond the price, consider if what you’re getting is a good value.
  • Reputation: How long has the program been around? Who is in their faculty? What do alumni have to say about their experience? Since there is no national accreditation for cannabis training programs, it’s up to you to find a quality program.
  • Flexibility: Is the program based online? Do you have to attend in-person classes? How much access time do you get to the course content? Figure out if the program fits within your schedule.
  • Content: Consider the classes and courses each training program offers and the curriculum quality. Do they provide instruction through slideshows, videos, or e-books?
  • Graduation Rate and Job Placement: How many students graduate and find a cannabis job with their credentials?
  • Technical and Student Support: Look for a cannabis college that can provide 24/7 assistance with any program issues.
  • Accreditation: Cannabis Training University is the ONLY INTERNATIONALLY ACCREDITED CANNABIS COLLEGE BY IACET.

Cannabis Schools – At a Glance

books stacked on a laptop with an apple

Cannabis education is available online and in person. If you are ready to take the next step in your cannabis education, consider the following cannabis training programs.

  • Cannabis Training University: CTU became the first online cannabis school in 2009 and provides the Master of Cannabis Certification, an all-inclusive program designed by industry-leading professionals. The world's leading online marijuana school with more graduates than all other online cannabis schools combined. Only internationally accredited cannabis school.
  • Oaksterdam University: Oaksterdam, provides live and online courses covering a broad range of aspects of the industry. (NOT AN ACCREDITED CANNABIS SCHOOL)
  • THC University: Online-based cannabis training school featuring courses on cultivation, business, budtending, and more. (not been updated in many years, extremely low ratings, does not work on mobile phones, courses state specific and not broad, NOT ACCREDITED)
  • Cannabis Training Institute: Designed for entrepreneurs, CTI covers a range of business-related cannabis courses. (no updates since 2017) (NOT ACCREDITED)
  • Clover Leaf University: Clover Leaf offers seminars, live webinars, workshops, and scheduled classes. Very expensive. (NOT ACCREDITED)
  • Green Cultured: Denver-based eLearning program featuring free micro-courses and paid courses covering cultivation, business, medicine, and more. Uses the same material in each course multiple times, not rated highly. (NOT ACCREDITED)

Cannabis Training Programs Compared

Cannabis training programs vary in cost, quality, course offerings, flexibility, and other aspects. Here is a handy chart to help you compare the top cannabis schools.

 Cannabis Training UniversityOaksterdam UniversityTHC UniversityCannabis Training InstituteClover Leaf UniversityGreen CulturED
LocationOnlineOnline and Oakland, CAOnlineOnlineOnline and Denver, COOnline
Cost$149-$299$695-$2,995$179 to $287$229-$399$999-$2,000 $2999
CoursesCannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Cooking, Cannabis Careers, Cannabis as Medicine, Budtending, Cannabis Law, Cannabis Business, Extraction, CBD, Hemp, Dispensary Management, Master Grower Jobs, Indoor Cannabis cultivation, Outdoor Cannabis Cultivation, Terpenes, Cannabinoids. Cannabis jobs for all US states. Cannabis Laws for all US States, Canada, and 47 countries worldwide!Cultivation, Business, Budtending, CBD and HempCBD, Terpenes, Budtending, Cultivation, Safety Regulations, BusinessCultivation, Business, Edibles, Budtending, Dispensary ManagementBudtending, Cultivation, Laws, BusinessCultivation, Medicine, Laws, Workplace Safety, Management
Graduates 80,000 (more than all other cannabis schools combined)30,0001,9004502,0002,500
Instructional VideosTons of high-definition videos (most of all cannabis colleges combined)Classroom-style learning3 videos; mainly slideshowsNo videos or e-books; slide-show based programLive classes or slideshows24 videos
E-Books8 e-books by Ed Rosenthal (plus 72 downloadable and printable guides to keep forever!) 1 bookSlideshows; no e-booksSlideshows; no e-booksSlideshows; no e-books3 e-books

Cannabis Training University For The Win

Cannabis Training University provides the best value for the price out of any other cannabis college. For just $149 to $299, you get tons of HD videos, e-books, downloadable handouts, and more.

You get a $999 value for a fraction of the price! Cannabis Training University's courses have been professionally valued by business valuation companies between $2,500 and $4,500, but CTU keeps the courses affordable so more students can enjoy the amazing content.

Check out our free cannabis e-books on budtending, growing, extraction, cooking, business, and more for a preview of our certification program.

Benefits of Enrolling at CTU: 

  • Reputation: As the first online cannabis school, CTU has experience providing a world-class education to students of all skill levels.
  • Industry-Leading Faculty: Our faculty includes top industry professionals and successful business owners.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: Learn about a broad range of topics, such as cannabis cultivation, medicine, extraction, cooking, business, and careers, to become a cannabis expert.
  • Most Graduates in Cannabis JobsMore students have graduated and found cannabis jobs from CTU than at any other cannabis college.
  • Industry-Recognized Certification: More cannabis business owners recognize the CTU name than any other cannabis school.
  • 24/7 Support: Get help from a CTU representative any time, day or night.
  • ONLY CANNABIS COLLEGE WITH UPDATES LAWS AND REGULATIONS FOR ALL US STATES, CANADA AND 50 COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE.
  • Most recognized and most respected cannabis certification programs by hiring managers.
  • Most graduates working in the cannabis industry (more than all other cannabis schools combined)

For more information, read what our students say about their experience and CTU celebrity endorsements.

Cannabis Industry Jobs Salary

One of the most appealing aspects of a career in the cannabis industry is the potential for a high salary. According to the latest industry reports, the average salary for cannabis industry jobs is above the national average.

By earning your cannabis industry certifications through CTU, you can position yourself for higher-paying job opportunities in the cannabis industry.

Cannabis Industry Job Requirements

The cannabis industry has specific job requirements that must be met to be eligible for employment. These requirements can include education, training, and industry-recognized marijuana certifications.

CTU's cannabis industry training programs provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to meet these requirements and position yourself for success in your cannabis career.

Cannabis Industry Job Prospects

The cannabis industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory, and job prospects in the industry are expected to expand along with it. With CTU's comprehensive marijuana industry training programs, you can prepare yourself for the many job prospects in the cannabis industry.

Our courses cover a wide range of topics and skills needed to succeed in the cannabis industry, including marijuana cultivation, cannabis extraction, cannabis retail operations, marijuana as medicine, cannabis laws and regulations, budtender certification, and more.

Cannabis Industry Job Descriptions

Cannabis industry job descriptions vary widely, depending on the specific role and area of the industry. CTU's cannabis industry training programs cover the skills and knowledge needed for a variety of cannabis industry job descriptions, including marijuana cultivation, extraction, retail, and more.

Our online marijuana courses provide you with the skills needed to succeed in your chosen cannabis career.

marijuana college for how to grow weed

Cannabis Industry Resume Tips

When applying for jobs in the cannabis industry, it's essential to have a well-crafted resume that highlights your skills and qualifications. CTU's cannabis industry training programs include resume tips and guidance to help you craft a standout cannabis industry resume that will help you get noticed by potential employers.

Our instructors at the best online marijuana college provide personalized feedback on your resume and offer suggestions for how to make it more effective in landing your dream cannabis job. Enroll at the best online marijuana college and make your cannabis career dreams a reality.

Cannabis Industry Job Interview Tips

Once you've landed an interview for a cannabis industry job, it's important to be prepared and confident. CTU's cannabis industry training programs include cannabis industry job interview tips to help you prepare for your interview and present yourself as the ideal candidate for the job.

Our instructors provide guidance on common cannabis industry job interview questions and offer tips for how to answer them effectively.

Cannabis Industry Career Advancement

The cannabis industry is full of opportunities for career advancement, and CTU's cannabis industry training programs can help you achieve your career goals. Our cannabis courses provide the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your current role and position yourself for advancement opportunities.

Whether you're looking to move up the ladder in your current company or transition to a new area of the cannabis industry, CTU is the best online marijuana college that can help you achieve your cannabis industry career advancement goals.

CTU is the premier online marijuana college for industry career advancement. With our comprehensive cannabis industry training programs, industry-recognized certifications, and flexible online cannabis education, we provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the competitive cannabis industry job market.

Our experienced instructors offer personalized guidance and support, helping students achieve their cannabis industry career goals. With CTU, students can be confident that they are receiving the best cannabis industry education and training available.

Learn at Your Own Pace

Another feature that inspires enrollment in online programs is the flexibility they offer over courses confined to physical learning spaces.

Receiving an education or attending a workshop at an on-site location can be valuable, but it certainly does not lend itself well to every lifestyle, especially to those who work full-time, do not have a set schedule each week, or struggle with finding a means of transportation.

A Sustainable Way to Get Cannabis Smart

In recent years, there has been a palpable global shift stressing the importance of making eco-friendly lifestyle changes, from reducing waste production to decreasing energy use. For many reasons, enrolling in a completely digital online university aligns with living a sustainable life.

Think of the resources it takes to keep an on-site college running smoothly. Think of the energy the university buildings use up each week, the paper required to print textbooks for thousands of students, and the fuel required to deliver those textbooks in time for the semester and to get those students in their seats each day.

Conversely, sharing content solely via digital platforms and not requiring students to print any material means saving trees, cutting down on shipping charges, decreasing waste, and helping to lower any toxicity associated with production and delivery.

Plus, there’s no transportation required and no reason to add to your carbon footprint.

Best Online Marijuana College

Cannabis Training University (CTU) is the best online marijuana college for industry career advancement. Our comprehensive cannabis industry training programs, industry-recognized marijuana certifications, and flexible online cannabis education provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the competitive cannabis industry job market.

With our experienced instructors and personalized guidance, students can achieve their cannabis industry career goals and position themselves for a rewarding and lucrative career in the cannabis industry.

There are over 300,000 jobs in the cannabis industry. CTU trained me for one of them!

marijuana extraction course - Johanna Rose
Makes $24.50 @ THC +

Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, CTU is the perfect choice for your cannabis industry education and training.

Enroll in Cannabis Training University Today!

Ready to start your career or business in the cannabis industry? 

What should I study for the marijuana industry?

Eliminating the need for a college degree will significantly improve equity in the cannabis market. Skill-based training will continue to assist people in obtaining excellent employment.

What is the best cannabis training?

Cannabis Training University has been a world leader in online cannabis education since 2009 and is the only IACET cannabis college.

Is there a demand for cannabis industry jobs?

The size of the legal marijuana market in the world was estimated at USD 16.7 billion in 2022, and from 2023 to 2030, it is anticipated to rise at a CAGR of 25.4%. The market has grown mostly as a result of the rising demand for legal.

What is the best cannabis college?

Cannabis Training University is the only IACET/ANSI accredited cannabis college in the world. Cannabis Training University provides more information than all other cannabis schools and for a fraction of the price. Cannabis Training University certifications are the most widely accepted and recognized in the cannabis industry by cannabis employers.

What are some of the best cannabis certification programs?

Cannabis Training University offers the industry leading Master of Cannabis Program, as well as Budtender Certification, and Cannabis 101 for beginners. All are offered online and can be taken by anyone, anywhere in the world.

Is there an online master grower certification program?

Cannabis Training University has the leading online master grower certification program.

Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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