Blog

Keep up with Oaksterdam thought leadership, events, news, and announcements on our blog!

How Phylos is Using Genomics to Breed Novel Cannabis Varieties

How Phylos is Using Genomics to Breed Novel Cannabis Varieties

Jan 8, 2026 | , ,

High Times Magazine recently released an article How Genomics is Shaping the Future of Cannabis Genetics by Oaksterdam’s Director of Academics, Angela Bacca. We conducted many in-depth interviews with experts on cannabis genomics and genetics, which are fascinating reads in their own right that we wanted to share. Below is a Q&A with Alisha Holloway, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer at Phylos Bioscience, about their groundbreaking cannabis genomic research and how it is shaping the industry today. 

Vote for OU in The Emjays

Vote for OU in The Emjays

Oct 3, 2023 |

Oaksterdam University has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Emjay International Cannabis Awards in the category...

How To Become a Cannabis Extraction Technician

Jul 24, 2023 | , , ,

If you are looking for careers in cannabis, you will see plenty of job postings for cannabis extraction technicians.

Cannabis extraction is a complex, lab-based scientific process to separate cannabis into components used for various products. Cannabis extraction is how specific cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavanoids can be isolated from the plant to produce profitable manufactured products.

If you dream of combining your love of science with a passion for cannabis, this might be the career for you. Learn more here …

Oaksterdam Launches Mississippi Medical Cannabis Dispensary Worker Training

Jul 11, 2023 | , ,

As medical cannabis dispensaries open for the first time across the state of Mississippi, Oaksterdam University (OU) is excited to offer Mississippi Medical Cannabis Dispensary Worker Training. The self-paced online training is approved by the Mississippi State Department of Revenue and meets all requirements to certify medical cannabis dispensary workers.

The course provides the most comprehensive education for pursuing a medical cannabis dispensary worker career in the $27 billion global cannabis industry. Individuals who finish the course may download a verifiable certificate of completion that qualifies them to work in a state-licensed dispensary.  

OU x Plant EDG: A Focus on Cannabis Education

OU x Plant EDG: A Focus on Cannabis Education

Jul 6, 2023 | ,

Oaksterdam University prides itself on providing the highest quality training in the cannabis industry. Our newest educational partnership has OU “training the trainers” with Plant EDG. 

Based in Los Angeles, Plant EDG teams up with brands to provide cannabis education to consumers at dispensaries and cannabis-related events. 

Loely Burgos, the founder of Plant EDG, says she is eager to join forces with Oaksterdam to help spread the word about OU’s programs, co-host educational events, and hire OU alumni. 

Learn How To Fix Cannabis Nutrient Deficiencies

Learn How To Fix Cannabis Nutrient Deficiencies

Jun 30, 2023 | , ,

Even though cannabis is known as “weed” and has a reputation for growing quickly and easily, cultivating high-quality cannabis plants can be quite challenging. One of the most common challenges is maintaining the correct balance of nutrients throughout the growth cycle. 

Nutrient deficiencies can be disastrous for a cannabis crop, but growers with the proper training can usually reverse the effects. Oaksterdam University offers courses to help you troubleshoot your cannabis crop and ensure a high-quality yield every time.  

Oaksterdam’s Easy Guide to Extracts

Oaksterdam’s Easy Guide to Extracts

Jun 20, 2023 | , ,

Cannabis extractions result in various end products with different colors, textures, consistencies, flavors, and phytochemical profiles. Some extractions are niche and connoisseur products, and some are the base for finished products made with lower-quality flowers that produce higher profit margins.

To help consumers navigate extract types, prices, processes, characteristics, and the extraction method used to produce them, Oaksterdam University has created this downloadable infographic.

West Coast Premiere of Oaksterdam Documentary

West Coast Premiere of Oaksterdam Documentary

Jun 15, 2023 | , , ,

American Pot Story: Oaksterdam celebrates its West Coast premiere at the prestigious DANCES WITH FILMS Festival on June 29 at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in the heart of Hollywood, Calif. 

The film revolves around Oaksterdam University (OU), the world’s first cannabis college, and tells the unknown origin story of the people who took monumental risks to make cannabis legalization possible. It celebrates the courageous heritage of the legacy industry and the movement that started at OU and would go on to impact the world. 

Cannabis Unite Brings Industry Together

Cannabis Unite Brings Industry Together

Jun 14, 2023 | ,

The Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation is gearing up to host the biggest business and professional development event of the season.

LA Cannabis Unite Summer Edition will take place 3-9 p.m. Saturday, June 17 at the historic Mayfair Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Everyone is invited to network, learn about cannabis careers and discover business opportunities.

The event is free, and complimentary valet parking is available.

‘American Pot Story: Oaksterdam’ East Coast Premiere

‘American Pot Story: Oaksterdam’ East Coast Premiere

Jun 2, 2023 | , ,

American Pot Story: Oaksterdam celebrates its East Coast premiere at the Lighthouse International Film Festival located at Long Beach Island, New Jersey, June 7-11, 2023.

The film revolves around Oaksterdam University (OU), the world’s first cannabis college, and tells the unknown origin story of the people who took monumental risks to make cannabis legalization possible. It celebrates the courageous heritage of the legacy industry and the movement that started at OU and would go on to impact the world.

You’re Invited – Los Angeles Cannabis Unite Summer Edition

You’re Invited – Los Angeles Cannabis Unite Summer Edition

May 10, 2023 | , ,

The public is invited to attend the largest summertime business and professional development networking event to learn about cannabis careers, business opportunities, and meet industry leaders, manufacturers, cultivators, operators, licensees and employers at LA Cannabis Unite Summer Edition, hosted by the Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation (DCR) on Saturday, June 17 at 3:00 PM at the historic Mayfair Hotel.

5 Things to Look for When Shopping for Extracts

5 Things to Look for When Shopping for Extracts

May 9, 2023 | , ,

Badder, budder, crumble, shatter, sauce, diamonds. What does it all mean, and how do you know what to select?

Choosing a cannabis concentrate can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With a little research and planning, you can find the perfect concentrate for your needs.

Here, Dr. Stefanie Gangano, co-chair of Oaksterdam University’s Extracts and Manufacturing department, share five things to consider when choosing an extract …

The Budtender’s Guide on KCBS Radio

The Budtender’s Guide on KCBS Radio

May 5, 2023 | , ,

Dale Sky Jones recently sat down with Jim Taylor on KCBS Radio 106.9 to talk about The Budtender’s Guide, OU’s new reference manual for dispensary professionals and cannabis consumers.

Dale discussed how the book is not only for budtenders, but consumers who want to be their own budtenders — and not just rely on the person ringing them up at the dispensary counter for information.

The book educates people to understand cannabis beyond THC content.

“What we talk about in this book is everything from flavonoids and terpenes. The things that affect the uptake or the intake, the odor, the smell, the taste, but also other cannabinoids that you might want to explore. We really try to cover what effect you’re looking for, and then how you’re going to get the best results,” she says during the interview.

OU Partners with OpenSpace

OU Partners with OpenSpace

May 4, 2023 | , ,

Oaksterdam University is excited to partner with Cannabis OpenSpace, a groundbreaking online event designed to revolutionize collaboration and empower professionals in the cannabis industry.

Discover how to enhance your cannabis business or career by learning about the latest developments, trends, and regulations.

Los Angeles Cannabis Unite Summer Edition

Los Angeles Cannabis Unite Summer Edition

May 2, 2023 | ,

Mark your calendar for Los Angeles Cannabis Unite*, the summer’s largest event for business and development professionals. Join us 3-9 p.m. PT, Saturday, June 17, 2023 for networking, a rooftop afterparty with a DJ, no-host bar, hors d’oeuvres, and more.

Find supply chain speed dating, a DCR resources room, jobs board access for all attendees, business, licensing, and compliance assistance, and more.

American Pot Story in Cannabis Now

American Pot Story in Cannabis Now

May 1, 2023 | , , ,

We are thrilled that our documentary American Pot Story: Oaksterdam continues to get favorable reviews. On April 29, 2023, Melissa Reid of Cannabis Now talked extensively about the film in a review called “Higher Ed.”

American Pot Story: Oaksterdam highlights the journey of cannabis advocates and concerned citizens in California during a time of significant change. It tells the full, untold story of the Oakland-based underdogs who risked everything to spark a global revolution in cannabis policy.

Dale Sky Jones talks 4/20 on ABC7 News

Dale Sky Jones talks 4/20 on ABC7 News

Apr 28, 2023 | , ,

In honor of 4/20, Oaksterdam University Executive Chancellor Dale Sky Jones speaks with Karina Nova at ABC7 News in the Bay Area. Dale talks about fighting to free cannabis prisoners, staying active in cannabis advocacy, and reducing the stigma around the plant.

“You’re not a bad person for consuming cannabis,” Dale says. “The most dangerous thing was not consuming cannabis, it was getting caught with it.”

How Reymon Brown Makes New Dispensary Customers Comfortable

How Reymon Brown Makes New Dispensary Customers Comfortable

Apr 24, 2023 | , ,

Reymon Brown has always loved cannabis and wanted to parlay it into a career, especially as he saw his home state of Massachusetts legalize adult use. He decided to pursue a budtending job to get a crash course in the business as he explores the possibility of getting into the ownership side through a social equity program. 

As a budtender, he strives to develop relationships with customers …