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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. 

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)

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)

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 

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

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 founded 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.
books stacked on a laptop with an apple

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$239-$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 videos, e-books, downloadable handouts, and more.

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

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.

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 +

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

Enroll in Cannabis Training University Today!

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

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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