TRENTON, NJ. June 2, 2025 (Hudson Latin Chamber) — The New Jersey Department of State’s New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) has now completed the Cannabis Training Academy’s (CTA) core curriculum with the launch of CTA’s level 10 courses and certificate of completion.
The CTA, a no-cost technical assistance program supported by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, provides local entrepreneurs and prospective business operators vital insight into the cannabis industry in New Jersey, as well as comprehensive training in navigating the complex licensing process for obtaining a cannabis business license.
As an asynchronous, online program, students have the option to complete courses at their own pace. Students additionally have access to webinars, live Q&A sessions with instructors, and any added materials to reflect new laws and regulations. The CTA offers expert guidance on the laws, regulations, and requirements of a cannabis operator’s license. Course topics cover application requirements, municipal approval, zoning, business planning, license conversion, insurance, standard operating procedures, and much more.
Upon completing the 60+ courses offered by the program, students will receive an official CTA certification with the completion of the final level. This certificate can then be included as part of a New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) cannabis license application as proof of prior business experience.
“To see this program fully completed in roughly six months after its launch is an incredible accomplishment. It’s also 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, or train their staff on the deeper nuances of business management and license operations. There is nothing like this program anywhere else in the country,” said NJBAC’s Executive Director Melanie Willoughby.
Since its launch in October 2024, the CTA program has registered more than 1,300 students, and has produced more than 20 hours of supplemental video content.
“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.
“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 for safer consumers,” said Vice Chairman Sam Delgado of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC).
“The CTA does more than just teach cannabis entrepreneurs what they need to know to complete a licensing application. It is giving them the power to understand the licensing process, which according to survey responses from our CTA instructors 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.
ABOUT THE CANNABIS TRAINING ACADEMY
The New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), housed in the New Jersey Department of State, has been designated by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ CRC) to build and launch the Cannabis Training Academy (CTA), a no-cost technical assistance, training and mentorship program that supports local cannabis entrepreneurs who wish to apply for a cannabis license in New Jersey. To learn more, visit https://www.nj.gov/state/bac/cannabis-training.
