NJBAC Launches the Cannabis Training Academy

Educational Hub for Current & Aspiring Cannabis Business Owners

October 17, 2024 (Trenton, NJ)—The NJ Department of State’s New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC), with designation and support from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC), has developed the Cannabis Training Academy (CTA). This no-cost, online cannabis educational platform aids and educates current and aspiring cannabis business owners as they navigate the process of establishing a licensed and regulatory-compliant cannabis business in New Jersey.

Participants in this comprehensive, learner-led program will receive information covering the licensing application process, municipal approval, zoning issues, raising capital, post-licensing topics, and general operations. Conditional conversion support will also be available.

“The State of New Jersey is committed to seeing aspiring small business owners succeed in the cannabis industry. The CTA aims to create a well-informed, diverse community of leaders who can take advantage of these new opportunities and contribute to the growth and economic success of their respective neighborhoods and the state overall,” Governor Phil Murphy shared.

The program is convenient and fits most schedules because courses are available online and can be completed at the attendee’s pace. In addition to pre-recorded webinars, participants can register to access live, virtual question-and-answer sessions with instructors. They will also be able to participate in future in-person workshops.

The first three modules of the CTA program are accessible to anyone over 21 and a New Jersey resident interested in cannabis business development. The CTA is specifically designed to help those who qualify as members of target Impact Zones. Those who live in a CRC-designated Impact Zone, plan to locate their future cannabis business in an Impact Zone, or plan to hire future employees from Impact Zone locations can expand their learning base with an additional seven levels of coursework and more than 60 classes.

“Even if a businessperson has had experience working in the cannabis industry, the CTA will be an invaluable and up-to-date resource that will guide them through the process of legal cannabis business management. The insights provided will help entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and get their business on the right track from the start,” explained Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, Esq.

The Cannabis Training Academy will officially launch on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. Entrepreneurs that are New Jersey residents over 21 who are interested in participating should visit nj.gov/state/bac/cannabis-training/about for more information and to register.

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