Grow your cannabis knowledge this New Year. Save $250 with code EARLYBIRDJAN25 at registration.

Kickstart your Cannabis career with an industry leading certificate

24 week online program from $499/month Study Online Study On Your Own Time  Study From Anywhere 

Earn a Certificate From
University of California, Riverside Extension in 24 weeks

Study online and on your own time

Courses Start July 10

Grow your cannabis knowledge this New Year. Save $250 with code EARLYBIRDJAN25 at registration.

Veterans Discount Available

Why Enroll At University of California, Riverside Extension

Study On Your Own Time

You’ll be able to study when it is convenient for you so that you can earn your certificate while balancing other commitments.

Expert Instructors

Crafted by top industry leaders, our program is tailored to provide you with essential knowledge required to thrive as a cannabis professional.

Top Cannabis Curriculum

Acquire the fundamental knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to thrive in the dynamic cannabis industry.

Employer Network

Completing a cannabis certificate program gives you exclusive access to the Green Flower Institute Employer Network.

Join A Fast-Growing Industry

The cannabis industry is growing at an unprecedented rate and the demand for skilled professionals is higher than ever. As the industry continues to expand, new opportunities are emerging in fields such as cultivation, retail, extraction, product development, and more. Joining the cannabis industry means being part of a movement that’s changing lives and creating positive change. Plus, with a wide range of positions available, from entry-level to executive roles, there’s a place for everyone in this rapidly growing industry. 

To become an in-demand cannabis professional, it’s important to have the right education and training. By investing in your education, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in this dynamic industry and advance your career to the next level. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the cannabis industry’s growth and secure a promising future – take the first step today and start your journey towards a rewarding career in cannabis.

Explore Cannabis Programs

This 6-month online certificate program offers an in-depth exploration of cannabis as medicine. Designed exclusively for health care and retail professionals who aspire to deliver accurate information and valuable guidance, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum that delves deep into the medicinal properties of cannabis, enabling you to become an expert in the field.

Designed to ignite your passion and propel your career, this comprehensive online program equips aspiring cultivators with the essential expertise to excel in the art and science of cannabis cultivation. Gain invaluable insights into genetics, cultivation techniques, cutting-edge indoor and outdoor growing methods, effective pest management, and sustainable practices, all taught by esteemed industry experts. This program also provides hands-on experience growing a plant and documenting the process. 

Gain a competitive edge in the fast-paced and rapidly evolving world of cannabis with our specialized online certificate program. Designed to equip you with essential knowledge and skills, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and unique aspects of the cannabis landscape. From cannabis retail to marketing to real estate, the Business of Cannabis program provides a broad overview of the industry, equipping you with critical business skills necessary for success. 

Become an in-demand cannabis compliance professional with this 6-month online certificate program taught by industry experts and operators. You’ll uncover the complexities surrounding cannabis regulations, licensing, and security protocols and develop a profound understanding of industry best practices, legal frameworks, and compliance standards necessary to ensure adherence and success in the cannabis landscape.

Embark on a journey to master the creation of a diverse array of cannabis products, including gummies, chocolates, oils, tinctures, and more. You’ll delve deep into the science of cannabis extraction, how to craft exceptional products that cater to a variety of preferences and needs, and strategies for building a compelling cannabis brand. Elevate your expertise and position yourself at the forefront of cannabis product innovation.

Learn 100% Online

With 24/7 access to course material, you can learn on your own terms and fit your coursework into your existing schedule. Our user-friendly interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it simple for anyone to access our program from anywhere in the world. 

iPhone showing course dashboard

“These programs provide a great foundation for anyone interested in a career in the cannabis industry. This type of training will help you stand out to hiring managers and companies alike in this highly competitive industry.”

– Jay Czarkowski,
Founding Partner, Canna Advisors

What You'll Gain

A Certificate of Completion 
Upon completion of the program, you’ll earn 9 credit hours and a certificate of completion from University of California, Riverside – University Extension that you can add to your resume to help advance your career.
A Digital Credential
Your digital credential, issued through Credly, is a digital badge that you can publish on LinkedIn and other online platforms to highlight your accomplishment. Learn more about digital credentials.
Advanced Rankings for Relevant Job Openings 
Careersincannabis.com allows certificate holders to incorporate their digital badge into their profile on this industry job board which is utilized by some of the largest and most well-respected cannabis companies in the world, automatically improving your ranking and FitScore for relevant job openings. Learn more about this exclusive benefit for certificate holders. 
Access to an Exclusive Employer Network
You’ll gain access to the GF Institute Employer Network, designed to help you propel your career forward with employment-focused webinars and opportunities.

Find a Rewarding Career in Cannabis

Our certificate programs are designed to prepare you for a wide range of cannabis jobs that can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career in this fast-growing industry. Whether you’re interested in working in cultivation, manufacturing, retail, or any other aspect of the cannabis industry, our programs will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Our expert instructors provide hands-on training and real-world experience, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. 

With our certificate programs, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a fulfilling career in the cannabis industry, helping to shape this exciting field and make a positive impact on people’s lives. There is a wide range of available positions, ranging from entry-level to executive-level roles in this fast-evolving industry.

The median salaries shown here are sourced from the 2023 Vangst Cannabis Industry Salary Guide, which identifies various cannabis roles and average salaries throughout the United States. It’s important to note that these figures are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee that you will earn the same salary or obtain the same job title upon completing our certificate programs.

Discover Your Dream
Career in Cannabis

Download Our FREE Ebook – ‘500 Hottest Cannabis Jobs’ Today!

What Participants Are Saying

Featured Student Spotlight

Discover the numerous benefits of taking our courses by hearing from students who have already embarked on this journey.

Featured Employer Partner

We are dedicated to helping you succeed in your cannabis career. That’s why we partner with local employers who are interested in hiring people who have earned their cannabis certificate from University of California, Riverside. Our Employer Partners are local cannabis companies that recognize the quality of education our students receive and work directly with us to offer career opportunities to those who enroll in our programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer new course start dates around every 6-8 weeks. No matter which certificate you choose to enroll into, all programs will begin on one of the following dates:  

    • Jan 6, 2025
    • Mar 3, 2025

Students should expect to dedicate 6-8 hours per week to adequately interact and complete coursework in the program. You can complete each week’s assignment according to your own schedule.

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

Veterans Discount Available Contact us for details

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About University of California, Riverside Extension - University Extension

For more than 65 years, UCR University Extension has been rewarding and enriching students of all ages – from right here in Riverside to the far-flung reaches of the globe – through professional development, academic advancement, and personal achievement. UCR University Extension offers a welcoming and diverse environment in which to jumpstart existing career paths or embark on new ones, to continue an adventure of lifelong learning, or discover the waiting portal to new scholastic journeys and goals.

Every program is thoughtfully designed with all of our learners in mind. For both established professionals and recent graduates just entering the workforce who are looking to upskill, upgrade their credentials, or shift careers altogether, UCR University Extension’s professional certificates and postgraduate diplomas provide a variety of choices, along with outstanding value and flexibility.

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Classes start soon!

Classes start November 6. Register by October 8 at midnight using EARLYBIRDNOV23 to get $250 off with early bird pricing. 

Keep in the know about cannabis education.