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The NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC) announced the release of the Cannabis Training Academy’s (CTA) full core curriculum of 10 levels of courses and a certificate of completion.
The CTA is a free technical assistance program providing local entrepreneurs with insight into the cannabis industry in New Jersey. So, it includes training in navigating the very complex licensing process for obtaining a cannabis business license.
NJBAC’s Executive Director Melanie Willoughby called the program “a testament to the State’s ongoing support and commitment. To ensure that this vital resource is accessible to both prospective entrepreneurs and cannabis operators who are looking to level up their knowledge to acquire other additional licenses.”
She argued it could help entrepreneurs train their staff on the deeper nuances of business management and license operations.
“There is nothing like this program anywhere else in the country,” Willoughby noted.
“This is a historic moment for New Jersey as we wrap up the largest, most comprehensive cannabis technical assistance program in the country. The CTA is enhanced by industry experts, supported by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and accessible to all New Jersey residents ages 21+ who can access our program online 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year through their phones, tablets, or computers,” said Tauhid Chappell, Executive Director of the CTA.
“According to survey responses from our CTA instructors, it would typically cost tens of thousands of dollars in outside consulting fees just to have the process explained. They are learning it for themselves, step-by-step, to make informed decisions and move forward in their business,” noted Penni Wild, Deputy Executive Director at NJBAC.
“The Cannabis Training Academy has already done a phenomenal job helping to prepare new entrepreneurs and workers to enter and thrive in New Jersey’s cannabis market. Having knowledgeable operators and well-trained staff not only makes for efficient businesses but also safer consumers,” said soon-to-be former NJCRC Vice Chairman Sam Delgado.
NJ Cannabis Training Academy Details
Students can complete the online Cannabis Training Academy courses at their own pace. They have access to webinars, live Q&A sessions with instructors, and added materials that reflect new laws and regulations.
The CTA offers expert guidance on the laws, regulations, and requirements of a cannabis operator’s license. Courses cover application requirements, municipal approval, zoning, business planning, license conversion, insurance, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and more.
Every single issue is a reason that at least one cannabis business has had problems.
There are 60+ courses offered by the program. After completing them, students receive an official CTA certification with the completion of the final level.
The certificate can be included as part of an NJCRC cannabis license application as proof of prior business experience.
Since its launch in October 2024, the CTA program has registered more than 1,300 students. It has produced more than 20 hours of supplemental video content.
The licensing process is grueling. It has cost many entrepreneurs thousands of dollars, if not millions, only to fail to open.
The sheer amount of money made on a range of cannabis license consulting has been part of the Green Tax. Often, companies charge cannabis license applicants more for their services. They can do so because often, other companies do not want to do business with cannabis companies due to the perceived stigma.
The CTA was needed in 2021 when the race began to get established in NJ adult-use cannabis sales.
The problem was that the State did not want to use general revenue tax dollars. Adult-use cannabis sales generated the money funding the CTA.
So Multi State Operators (MSOs) that are large corporations have continued to dominate legal New Jersey cannabis sales.
The real problem has been and remains a lack of money, known in high-end circles as “Capital“, to open a business.
Jersey, to its credit, is trying to provide some grants to some winners.
But everyone wants to bet on a winning horse and not waste it. That includes the State of New Jersey and the Economic Development Authority (EDA).
Unfortunately, some 1st round grants went to companies based elsewhere when locals needed that money.
“}]] The NJBAC announced the release of the Cannabis Training Academy’s full curriculum of 10 levels of courses and a certificate of completion. Read More
