NJ Officials Celebrate Cannabis Training Program Completion

New Jersey Finalizes Nation’s Most Comprehensive Free Cannabis Business Training Program to Promote Equity and Support Aspiring Entrepreneurs

State Officials Announce Completion of Curriculum for Cannabis Training Academy Offering 60+ Online Courses, Certification, and Technical Assistance at No Cost

In a significant milestone for New Jersey’s cannabis sector, the state has completed the curriculum for its Cannabis Training Academy (CTA)—a no-cost, fully accessible online program designed to support entrepreneurs and workers looking to enter or advance in the cannabis industry.

Launched in October 2024 and spearheaded by the New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), the CTA is now home to over 60 cannabis-focused courses, bolstered by 20+ hours of supplemental educational videos and interactive content. The initiative represents the largest and most comprehensive cannabis technical assistance program in the country, according to state officials.

CTA Program Offers Training in Licensing, Zoning, Capital Raising, Operations, and More for New Jersey Residents 21 and Older

The Cannabis Training Academy was created with accessibility, equity, and empowerment in mind. It is open to all New Jersey residents aged 21+, offering round-the-clock online access to a robust curriculum covering everything from how to apply for a license and secure local government approvals, to how to raise capital, navigate zoning regulations, and manage day-to-day operations.

The program is supported by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) and designed to help new business owners make informed decisions in an industry that is both fast-growing and highly regulated.

To date, more than 1,300 individuals have enrolled in the CTA, a number that is expected to grow as word spreads about this no-cost opportunity. Learners can move through the content at their own pace through pre-recorded webinars, live Q&A sessions, and in-person workshops.

Program Recognized for Bridging the Equity Gap by Supporting Entrepreneurs in Impact Zones and Lowering Barriers to Entry

One of the standout features of the CTA is its intentional focus on equity. The program specifically targets participants from designated “Impact Zones”—communities disproportionately affected by past marijuana prohibition. These areas receive additional support under the state’s adult-use cannabis law and NJ-CRC rules.

Officials have stated that the CTA not only equips entrepreneurs with essential knowledge but also addresses structural barriers that often prevent underrepresented individuals from gaining traction in the cannabis sector. By eliminating the high cost of consulting fees—which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars—the CTA gives participants a step-by-step guide to understand and execute complex licensing processes independently.

New Jersey Leaders Praise Rapid Implementation of the CTA and Its Transformative Role in Market Readiness

Melanie Willoughby, Executive Director of NJBAC, celebrated the program’s rapid development timeline, calling it an “incredible accomplishment” to have finalized such a robust curriculum just six months after the program’s launch.

She emphasized that the academy serves not only those entering the market but also existing operators who wish to upskill, apply for additional licenses, or provide better training for their staff. “There is nothing like this program anywhere else in the country,” she said.

CTA Executive Director Tauhid Chappell echoed that sentiment, calling the launch a historic moment for New Jersey. He highlighted the program’s on-demand availability through smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it more accessible than traditional education models.

NJ-CRC Vice Chair and NJBAC Deputy Director Emphasize Real-World Impact of the Cannabis Training Academy

Sam Delgado, Vice Chairman of the NJ-CRC, reinforced the importance of having trained, knowledgeable entrepreneurs in the legal marketplace. “Efficient businesses and safe consumer experiences,” he noted, are directly tied to the quality of training cannabis professionals receive.

Penni Wild, NJBAC’s Deputy Executive Director, elaborated on the program’s return on investment for participants. “It’s giving them the power to understand the licensing process,” she explained, adding that most of what the CTA offers would otherwise require outside consultants charging thousands of dollars.

Wild added that the CTA doesn’t simply prepare people to complete paperwork—it helps them become informed business leaders capable of navigating complex decisions with confidence and foresight.

CTA Seen as a Cornerstone of New Jersey’s Broader Efforts to Shape a Regulated, Inclusive Cannabis Market

The success of the Cannabis Training Academy fits into New Jersey’s larger cannabis policy framework—one that aims to deter illicit market activity, expand economic opportunity, and build consumer trust through well-regulated, well-informed operations.

This policy vision is mirrored in other ongoing developments. For instance, Senate President Nick Scutari recently introduced legislation to re-criminalize purchasing marijuana from unlicensed sources, reinforcing the state’s push toward a legal, accountable cannabis marketplace.

Additionally, former Senate President Steve Sweeney, now running for governor, has advocated for home grow rights for medical cannabis patients, expanded clemency, and the establishment of consumption lounges—policies that reflect continued public dialogue around how best to structure a balanced and inclusive cannabis economy.

Despite differing opinions on policy nuances, all roads lead to a shared understanding that education, equity, and empowerment are key to long-term industry success.

New Jersey Sets the National Bar with a Cannabis Education Model That Prioritizes Access, Equity, and Practical Know-How

The completion of New Jersey’s Cannabis Training Academy marks a pivotal moment—not just for the state, but for the national cannabis landscape. As other jurisdictions look for ways to equitably scale cannabis markets, New Jersey’s approach offers a replicable blueprint grounded in accessibility, technical training, and real-world readiness.

Through the CTA, the state has created more than just an educational resource—it has established a platform for systemic empowerment, allowing residents to fully participate in shaping the future of legal cannabis.

With continued investment, collaboration, and outreach, New Jersey’s CTA may become the gold standard for cannabis workforce development in the United States.CannabisEquity