The University of Illinois Springfield,
Continuing and Professional Education (CAPE) presents
Cannabis Law and Policy Certificate
Earn valuable expertise in the cannabis legal landscape.
Laws around cannabis are complex and ever-changing, making legal compliance a significant challenge for cannabis businesses. With a cross-disciplinary approach to key industry sectors, this certificate gives you the information and insights needed to participate in the world of cannabis regulation, compliance and public policy.
Starting with Cannabis 101, the non-credit program will provide you with a comprehensive overview of federal and state cannabis regulation, and the historical events that led to the formation of these laws. You’ll explore industry legislation, common regulatory dilemmas, the process of securing state and local licenses, and more compliance-related content.
With the option to specialize in agriculture, entrepreneurial, or healthcare law and policy, this program is designed to give students the range and depth of information needed to meaningfully engage with the legal landscape around cannabis.
3 Courses
100% Online
Full Payment Option
Installment Option
Save My Seat
$300
Financing Option
Cannabis Law and Policy 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 & Policy, FDA regulation, and future opportunities for cannabis-related legal careers.
- History of Cannabis
- Phytocannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System
- Agriculture and Cultivation
- Enterprise
- Law and Policy
- Cannabis Medicine and Healthcare
- Careers in the Cannabis Industry
Cannabis Law & Policy I: Historical Perspectives and Regional Analysis
Gain historical perspectives of statutory and administrative law pertaining to cannabis and hemp. Participate in cohort-based exploration of legal topics ranging from professional conduct to licensing, liability, and contracting. Projects and case studies are specific to the student’s state or local jurisdiction.
- Historical Perspectives, Statutory and Administrative Law
- Professional Conduct & Ethics for Cannabis Lawyers and Policymakers
- Licenses and Permits
- Professional Liability Overview
- Commercial Law – Contracting with Vendors
- Banking, Accounting, and Tax Law
- Insurance Law
Cannabis Law & Policy II: Emerging Sectors
Focusing on agriculture, entrepreneurial, or healthcare law and policy, you’ll cover employment and labor law, real estate and environmental law, intellectual property protection, and other topics.
- Employment and Labor Law
- Consumer Law – Advertising, Labeling, and Packaging
- Real Estate Law
- Environment Law
- Intellectual Property
- Cannabis – What’s Enforceable
- Social Equity in the Cannabis Industry
Expert Cannabis Educators
Expert Cannabis Educators
Cannabis Law & Policy features instruction and interaction from pioneering cannabis lawyers and leaders from the cannabis business world, including entrepreneurs, physicians and public policy specialists.
The Highest Standards for Online Learning
Our curriculum is developed by a team of instructional design and interactive technology experts, utilizing theory-to-practice teaching methods designed to deliver expert education that can be applied in a real world setting.
Garrett Graff
Recognized as a Cannabis Law Trailblazer who specializes in corporate litigation.
Ian Stuart
Partner at Wilson Eiser
Co-chair of Wilson Eiser’s Cannabis Law practice and a member of the Information Governance Leadership Committee.
Pamela N. Epstein Esq., LL.M
General Counsel & Chief Regulatory and Licensing Officer at Eden Enterprises
An advocate for cannabis businesses providing them with a range of legal, consulting, and application permitting services.
Cannabis Creates New Careers and Skill Demands
In 2019, Illinois reported over $327 million in legal cannabis sales. Leafly’s 2020 Cannabis Jobs Report projects over $600 million in sales by the end of 2021.
Source: Leafly 2020 Jobs Report & The New York Times
In 2020, Illinois reported over 9,000 cannabis jobs (and growing).
Source: Leafly 2020 Jobs Report
In 2021, there were 428,000 full-time employees in the cannabis industry in the United States.
Source: Leafly Jobs Report 2022
Legal cannabis worker jobs are projected to grow by 250% between 2018-2028, far outpacing any other fast-growing career.
Source: Leafly Jobs Report 2020

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