Oaksterdam’s founders have taken a hands-on approach to cannabis policy reform since the early 1990s. We...
Lindsey
Schedule III is Here, It’s Time for Healthcare Professionals to Catch Up
Medical cannabis is now Schedule III, and healthcare professionals have a lot of catching up to do. It is more...
Tips for Cannabis Seedlings
by Stoney Tark The cannabis seedling stage represents the time when all things are possible, and you begin your...
Tips for Flowering Indoor Cannabis Plants
by Stoney Tark The flowering stage is the most exciting. During this time, your plants will grow and develop those...
David Bearman, MD
Dr. David Bearman received his M.D. from the University of Washington School of Medicine. He has served at all levels...
High Times: The Legends Who Built Cannabis Culture Are Finally Certified. It’s Called Oakland Legendary.
The Oakland Legendary Campaign was covered by Javier Hesse for High Times Magazine Oakland built the cannabis culture...
Ryan Kocot
Ryan Kocot is a cannabis attorney admitted in California, Massachusetts, and New York, with a federal...
Create an in-house cannabis breeding program and protect your intellectual property
Commercial breeding requires a profit model and a business plan to secure the necessary investment to start the...
Phenohunting Unicorns
Breeders are always in search of unicorns—those magically unique plants that check all the boxes of desirable traits...
Why you should start a cannabis genetic library
Although building a cannabis genetic cultivar library requires space, time, and financial investment, it is critical...
Most of the cannabis industry’s genetics comes from the West Coast. That’s a problem.
Over the last 15 years of state-by-state legalization, when a new state comes online, cannabis plants magically appear...
Cannabis polyploids, genetic modification, and inbreeding, oh my.
In the past, breeders often relied on inbreeding to stabilize desired traits in cannabis plants. This generally meant...
You probably have the wrong idea about cannabis landraces.
If you ask most cannabis enthusiasts what a landrace is, they are likely to tell you the same thing: they are the...
OU Selected to Provide Free Minnesota Cannabis Farmer Training
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that Oaksterdam University has been selected to administer...
Education is the Backbone of Successful Tissue Culture
by Greg Borstelmann A universal fact when operating a tissue culture lab of any size is that it’s not if you will ever...
Training Cannabis Plants for Bigger Yields
By Stoney Tark One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to boost yields is to use plant-training techniques. There...
How to Prevent Contamination in Tissue Culture
by Greg Borstelmann Tissue culture is often described as a way to “reset” a plant back to a more vigorous, juvenile...
Carolina Nocetti, MD
Dr. Carolina Nocetti is a physician and technical consultant for medical cannabis projects in the US, Canada, Uruguay,...
Maria Pettinato, RN, PhD
Maria Pettinato, RN, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing at Seattle University, Seattle,...
Top 10 Tips for a Successful First Harvest
By Stoney Tark Harvest is a very exciting time, where all your hard work and dedication pay off! If you are a...
Starting a Tissue Culture Lab on a Budget
by Greg Borstelmann One of the biggest misconceptions about tissue culture success is that it depends on expensive...
Tips for Growing Indica Plants Indoors
by Stoney Tark Cannabis plants traditionally referred to as “indica” adapted to harsh, mountainous regions...
Why You Should Grow Autoflowering Cannabis at Home
Autoflowering cannabis plants flower automatically, regardless of light cycles, and modern cultivars are stronger,...
Leonel Villasenor
This course has impacted my life in many ways. First understanding the industry Second all the details they go into...
Top Tips for Higher Yields for Beginners
Many home growers cultivate cannabis for the flavor and effect and an increase in yield is always a bonus. These tips...
Stoney Tark’s Top Tips for Indoor Hydroponics in 2026
Stoney Tark’s Top Tips for Indoor Hydroponics in 2026 Growing cannabis hydroponically can be incredibly rewarding and...
Trenton Ruehl
The course really prepares one for entering the cannabis horticulture field with a solid foundation. I am very pleased...
How Oaksterdam Learning Works: Self-Paced vs Live Online vs In-Person
Oaksterdam offers flexible learning options designed for individuals who want to earn certification while balancing...
3 Ways Certified Budtenders Make Your Cannabis Experience Better, Bolder & Safer
I spent 20 minutes queue-shuffling at a packed dispensary in Boulder, Colorado yesterday, getting my order just right...
Stoney Tark’s Top Tips for Growing Cannabis Indoors
There has never been a better time to start growing cannabis indoors, and with so many new growers daily, knowing how...
Choosing Quality Cannabis Education in 2026: An Evidence‑Informed Comparison Framework
Prospective learners face heightened financial and emotional pressures during the holiday season, which complicates...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Richard Lee Dies at 62
July 28, 2025 — Oakland, California : Richard Lee, considered the leader who sparked the wave of global cannabis...
Level Up Your Skills: Explore Oaksterdam’s Upcoming Live Cohorts
As the cannabis industry matures, so does the need for professionals with deep, specialized knowledge. Whether you're...
Learn How to Breed Cannabis Cultivars
Preview the Oaksterdam x James Loud Cannabis Breeding Certification Program: Live Certification Program –...
Francky Bouquet
“France is in the Middle Ages when it comes to restrictions on cannabis. I have so much love for Oaksterdam. It was...
Keith Justin Anderson — Founding Partner of Aim Law, Member of the Narragansett Indian Nation Legal Professor for Oaksterdam University
“Teaching Tribal Law for Oaksterdam University has provided me with invaluable insights into the cannabis industry and...
From Home Grow to Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide to Cannabis Cultivation and Breeding
Embarking on the journey of cannabis cultivation is both rewarding and educational. Whether you’re a novice...
White Earth Nation Launches First Minnesota Dispensary with Oaksterdam-Trained Growers
On Saturday, May 24, 2025, the White Earth Nation opened the first dispensary in the state of Minnesota. The Waabigwan...
Dillon Noble
“The knowledge I gained from taking this course has been invaluable! The online self-paced modules were engaging...
Juan Velasquez-Tinoco — C3 Industries
“Oaksterdam proved to me that it doesn’t matter what background you come from. The love we all share for cannabis...
Learn to Grow Cannabis
Let’s get growing! Want to learn to grow cannabis at home, get a job in legal cultivation, or start your own licensed...
Mario Obermann, Chairholder – The Green Hornet
“It was essential for me to get a high position in a pharmaceutical company in Europe, and finally enter in the...
Cannabis, Pain, and the Opioid Crisis
There is a critical need for additional pain management options that are safer and less habit-forming than opioids....
Breaking Down Tribal Cannabis Law
More federally recognized Native American Tribes are joining the cannabis industry. Learn about Tribal cannabis law,...
Your Doctor’s Medical Education Lacked This Critical System
Only 13% of medical professionals learn about the endocannabinoid system in medical school, and we want to change...
Improve Your Writing with Unlimited Cannabis Education
There is a wealth of cannabis education on the internet, but quality, vetted, expert-crafted information is scarce....
Aiden Tharp
It was very helpful and give me insight on what I’d be walking into!
Daniel Vela
“My dream goal has been to open an indoor facility and this project has helped me gather all the information I needed...
Enrique Gutierrez
“I came to Oaksterdam to sharpen my growing skills. It made me want to go deeper into everything that’s going on in...
Kashif Lang
“I thank God for Oaksterdam University for the simple fact that it’s refining my skills right now. It’s just...
Aaron Hiner
“Oaksterdam has given me full on understanding exactly how the Cannabis industry Works. Which was very amusing,...
Oaksterdam University and Sapphire Risk Advisory Group Announce Groundbreaking Cannabis Security Training Partnership
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – March 20, 2025 – Oaksterdam University, the pioneering institution for cannabis education, and...
Nehemiah Cole
“What led me to enroll in Oaksterdam was a plethora of reasons — to understand in-depth how to build my brand and...
Jiracheep Kruayatidee, CEO — Hemp Advocacy Group, Thailand
“From the first day that I enrolled in this course, I could instantly sense that this school is a real deal in...
Bertric Lugartos — Lifted Spirit Collective
“I am very thankful for Oaksterdam University for the knowledge and wonderful people. Now I am peacefully learning the...
Cannabis History: The Legacy of Oaksterdam University and the Cannabis Reform Movement
Our mission and the story of how we got here began in the 1990s. Oakland, California, was a very different place from...
Lo Nunez Gonzalez
“Taking the Business of Cannabis semester with Oaksterdam truly changed my life. It sparked my interest in the...
Mark Piersante
“I’ve learned a whole bunch about growing. The Horticulture Live Semester at Oaksterdam has led me down some other...
Phajja Pritchett
“From being a casual smoker to someone with the skills and knowledge to help someone find exactly what they are...
Christine Stenquist
“The business course at Oaksterdam University offers participants a thorough and beneficial introduction to the...
Anthony Mills
“I loved the interaction with the instructors, the support team responding rapidly, my classmates from all over the...
Stoney Tark
Stoney Tark is a prolific writer based in Europe, known for his articles on cultivation, breeding, hash making, and...
Danielle
I like that it has given me the opportunity to have an edge during the hiring process.
Mai-Lan Richards
Words cannot describe the incredible experience I had at OU. This place has helped me understand the quality of the...
Steven Hobart
“It was a great networking experience and a good opportunity to advance my knowledge in the cannabis industry. It...
Rainbow Chavis – Shinnecock Farms
“I encourage people to take courses at Oaksterdam if they plan to be in this industry. They are worth every penny.”
Locklin Newman
“Like many young adults, I have a background in cannabis exposure. But I realized that consumption does not equate to...
Diego Burza
“Oaksterdam was a life-changing experience … I could and maybe will write a book about it. I barely arrived from...
Manuel Madriz
“I have a Budtender certification from Oaksterdam University, I did the self-paced certification. It was an amazing...
William Brown
“Oaksterdam was instrumental to me, from getting into the budtender awards and being a budtender to being in the...
Alex Almadova
“Shout out to Oaksterdam, you guys kill the game when it comes to education. If you’re new to the industry, and...
Thomas Noyes
“OU is the reason I have the job I have now, which has changed my life and made me happier than I’ve ever been...
Oscar Burrola – Lifted Spirit Collective
“You don’t have to explain very much to students who have gone through Oaksterdam when it comes to cultivation or the...
Benjamin Halley Founder and COO — Honest Cannabis Co.
“Working with the Oaksterdam team over the years has been instrumental in the success of our clients across both the...
Nicholas Frederick, Owner — VerdureX
“Thank you to all the amazing teachers who work at Oaksterdam, and for all the knowledge you guys possess. Without you...
Ginnie-Rae Clay, Former Executive Director of the Connecticut Social Equity Council
“It is with great confidence and admiration that I recommend Oaksterdam University to work with your organization....
Bridget Guiza, M.S.— Customized Education Coordinator, White Earth Tribal and Community College
“Feedback on training from participants in our Tribe’s cannabis businesses has been overwhelmingly positive....
Oaksterdam University and NJEDA Graduates Among First Equity Operators to Open in New Jersey
Many NJEDA grantees now opening their businesses recognize support from the NJEDA and Oaksterdam as critical to their success.
Jason Malcolm
Jason Malcolm is the principal of Arcview Consulting, a cannabis business strategy professional service company. Jason...
New Book “Cannabis vs Marijuana: Language, Landscape and Context” Sets Standard for Cannabis Discourse
Oaksterdam University Alum and Faculty David Paleschuck celebrates the release of his latest book, “Cannabis vs....
Award-Winning “American Pot Story: Oaksterdam” Premieres at New Bedford Film Festival
“ American Pot Story: Oaksterdam ” kicks off a series of film premieres across the country with an...
Cannabis is Officially Legal in Germany: What you need to know
It’s official – adult use cannabis became legal in Germany on April 1st, 2024. Adults 18 and older may now partake in...
OU’s Dale Sky Jones Nominated for Lifetime Achievement Award
Oaksterdam University’s Dale Sky Jones is nominated for a Lifetime Achievement Award in the 2024 Women’s Canna Awards...
Oaksterdam Launches Course to Certify Michigan Dispensary Workers
Today, the Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency (CRA) released $1 million in grants to 62 equity licensees throughout...
Dale Sky Jones on Friends of the Farm Lecture Series
Chancellor Dale Sky Jones was the featured guest on the Friends of the Farm Lecture series 6 p.m. March 20, 2024. ...
Mila Marshall, Ph.D.
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all...
Budtender Burnout is Real: Tips to Prevent It
An essential skill for anyone in customer service to master is dealing with feelings of emotional burnout. Customer...
Gabriel
I enjoyed the structure of the course. The modules each accounted for relevant material for the overall program. I was...
Angel
Very knowledgeable, great school, great insight in the cannabis world.
IRS 280E: Cannabis Taxes and Case Law
As small businesses across the United States prepare for tax season, cannabis businesses grapple with staying...