Program Overview

Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management Certificate

With a cross-disciplinary approach to key industry sectors, this program will prepare you to become an in-demand compliance professional within this fast-evolving cannabis industry. You will gain an understanding of the risks related to operating a commercial cannabis business and learn how to mitigate them with a proven Cannabis Risk Management Framework.

Program Overview

• Duration: 8 weeks
• Format: 100% Online, Instructor-led, Asynchronous
• Units: 3
• Tuition: $2,450 (Full Payment Option), Installment Option available through Affirm

Program Description

Unlock your potential as a highly sought-after compliance professional in the fast-evolving cannabis industry with our cross-disciplinary program. Gain the expertise to navigate the complexities of this ever-changing landscape and become a trusted cannabis compliance expert.

In today’s cannabis industry, legal compliance poses a significant challenge for businesses of all sizes. That’s why the demand for skilled cannabis compliance professionals is soaring. Our program equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this high-demand field.

Through engaging case studies, informative video lectures, and practical assignments, you’ll delve into crucial topics such as navigating regulatory changes, implementing effective track and trace systems, preventing money laundering, and optimizing product utilization. This comprehensive approach ensures you gain a thorough understanding of the cannabis industry and its compliance requirements, empowering you to become a certified cannabis compliance professional.

Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from Syracuse University, validating your expertise. You’ll also earn a digital badge that showcases your skills and enhances your professional profile. Furthermore, you’ll be fully prepared to pursue the Certified Commercial Cannabis Professional (CCCP) designation through the esteemed Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE).

As an added bonus, when you enroll in this program, you’ll receive a one-year ACCCE membership. This grants you exclusive access to additional resources and training materials designed to deepen your understanding of the complexities and risks inherent in the commercial cannabis industry.

Program Courses

Cannabis 101: History and Practice Across Industries

• An in-depth introduction to cannabis, across history, culture, and industry.
• Topics range from botany to business practices, including Cannabis Law and Policy, FDA regulation, and the many challenges that successful cannabis businesses face.
• Main topics covered in the course include:
  • History of Cannabis
  • Phytocannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
  • Agriculture and Cultivation
  • Enterprise
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
  • Cannabis Medicine and Healthcare
  • Careers in the Cannabis Industry

Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management I: Cannabis Risk Management Framework

• This course will lay the foundation for a Cannabis Risk Management Framework.
• A Cannabis Risk Management Framework (CRMF) is a framework for which risks, and opportunities can be identified within the context of business objectives and programs are established to operate within the risk appetite.
• Main topics covered in this course include:
  • Internal control environment
  • Risk assessment
  • Control activities
  • Information and communication
  • Training
  • Assurance
  • Risk program tailoring

Cannabis Compliance and Risk Management II: Risk Assessment

• This course addresses risk assessment as the foundation of a well-designed risk program.
• The risk assessment process enables management to better identify and mitigate gaps in a commercial cannabis business’s control of activities.
• It is sound practice that the risk assessment is formally written and in accordance with a methodology that is easily understood by all relevant parties.
• Main topics covered in this course include:
  • Risk assessment methodology
  • Money laundering risk
  • Illicit cannabis market risk
  • Compliance risk
  • Operational risk
  • Supply chain
  • Board reporting

Program Benefits

• Gain a thorough understanding of the cannabis industry and its compliance requirements.
• Develop expertise in navigating regulatory changes, implementing effective track and trace systems, preventing money laundering, and optimizing product utilization.
• Receive a certificate of completion from Syracuse University, validating your expertise.
• Earn a digital badge that showcases your skills and enhances your professional profile.
• Prepare to pursue the Certified Commercial Cannabis Professional (CCCP) designation through the esteemed Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE).
• Receive a one-year ACCCE membership, granting exclusive access to additional resources and training materials.

Program Faculty

• Brion Nazarro, Founder and President, Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts (ACCCE)
• Jacob Morehead, Senior AML and Fraud Associate
• Pam Maucher, Chief of Staff, Association of Certified Commercial Cannabis Experts

Program Testimonials

• “Taking this program has changed my life. I've always known that cannabis is my calling, I just didn't have access to credible cannabis education." - Brittany N., Certificate Holder
• “The thought leaders and experts gathered are really impressive. The content was organized very well. The projects were thought provoking and stretched me.” - Debbie B., Certificate Holder
• “Not even two weeks after starting the courses, I already had a job lined up because I was taking courses and showing the initiative.” - Andrew M., Certificate Holder