MJBizDaily features Oaksterdam University Chancellor Dale Sky Jones in a piece on the rise of cannabis consumption...
Blog
Keep up with Oaksterdam thought leadership, events, news, and announcements on our blog!
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...
Why You Should Learn to Breed Cannabis with James Loud
High Times Magazine recently released an article How Genomics is Shaping the Future of Cannabis Genetics by...
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...
How Phylos is Using Genomics to Breed Novel Cannabis Varieties
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.
Celebrate 30 Years of Patients Out of Time
The Sixteenth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics 📍 Charlottesville, VA | September 14–16, 2025...
Cannabis Rescheduling Is Not Enough: Why America Needs Full Descheduling
Almost, President Trump While we applaud the Trump Administration’s announcement to continue the policy shift started...
Free Mississippi Cannabis Laws & Regulations Replay
Presented by Conner Reeves, McLaughlin PC FREE COMPLIANCE WEBINAR REPLAY Mississippi’s medical cannabis industry is...
Remembering Richard Lee: Founder of Oaksterdam University and Cannabis Policy Pioneer
Thank you to those who were able to join us as we honored Richard’s life and impact.Read the official Press Release...
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: [button...
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 grower or...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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.
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 appearance at the New...
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. ...
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...
IRS 280E: Cannabis Taxes and Case Law
As small businesses across the United States prepare for tax season, cannabis businesses grapple with staying...
Budtender’s Guide: Cannabiziac Book of the Month
Whether you’re an aspiring budtender or want to be your own budtender, tune into Dale Sky Jones on Cannabiziac’s Book...
Oaksterdam Celebrates Black History Month
This February, Oaksterdam University proudly celebrates Black History Month by recognizing excellence within the Black...
What is “Organic” Cannabis?
What Is Organic Cannabis? Understanding Standards and Certification The use of the term “organic” to sell agricultural...
Budtender Tipping: What Customers and Dispensaries Should Know
Budtender Tipping: What Customers and Dispensaries Should Know Tipping in the cannabis industry is still a developing...
Inside Barcelona’s Cannabis Lounges: A Budtender’s Perspective
Helga Bucher works at High Class Social Club in Barcelona, one of the hundreds of private consumption lounges that...
Free Advocacy Class: Learn How to Drive Change
In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis, advocacy remains one of the most powerful forces shaping the industry....
2023 Rewind: Oaksterdam’s Top Highlights of the Year
It’s been a banner year for Oaksterdam University. With new courses, two books and numerous awards for our...
Synthetic Cannabinoids: What Budtenders Need to Know
Synthetic cannabinoids come from a laboratory instead of the cannabis plant. Budtenders and consumers should...
American Pot Story Oaksterdam New York premiere | Dances With Films
Award-winning documentary American Pot Story: Oaksterdam continues on the film festival circuit with its New York...
Oaksterdam Publishes Cannabis Style Guide
Oaksterdam University has released the first-ever definitive guide of standards for writing about cannabis in...
Branding Bud Live: Cannabis Activism with Dale Sky Jones
Oaksterdam University Executive Chancellor Dale Sky Jones was a guest on Branding Bud Live Episode #47 on November 2,...
USVI Starts Industry Training Program With Oaksterdam
The Office of the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands has approved a special program for Virgin Islands...
OU Recogized in 2023 Clio Cannabis Awards
Oaksterdam University has been recognized in the 2023 Clio Cannabis Awards. "We are extremely honored that the Clio...
“American Pot Story” at Fort Lauderdale Film Fest Nov. 12, 2023
American Pot Story: Oaksterdam continues its national film festival circuit with a screening at the Fort Lauderdale...
Dale Sky Jones Discusses Cannabis in Illinois at IACCAI Conference
Oaksterdam University Chancellor Dale Sky Jones spoke at the 2023 IACCAI Conference, held Oct. 12-13 at Highland...
“American Pot Story” at Topanga Film Fest
American Pot Story: Oaksterdam continues its national film festival circuit with a screening at the Topanga Film...
“Nectarball” World Premiere
From our friends at Nectarball.com comes the world premiere of the movie NECTARBALL: The Story of Cannabis. ...
Vote for OU in The Emjays
Oaksterdam University has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 Emjay International Cannabis Awards in the category...
Top Tips to Grow Cannabis on a Budget
Growing your own cannabis can be fun and rewarding, but it can also get expensive. In this article, we get tips from...
Alumni Spotlight: Cannabis Journalist A.J. Herrington
Oaksterdam University counts 80,000 alumni in 110+ countries among our ranks of cannabis success stories. Writer A.J....
Social Equity Cannabis Brand Launches Scholarships to Oaksterdam
OAKLAND, Calif. — Oaskterdam University and revolutionary cannabis brand REEFORM, a cannabis company with a major...
Oaksterdam University in THCENE Magazine
Die Erste Cannabis-Universität der Welt: Oaksterdam University With alumni around the world, Oaksterdam University is...
Budtender’s Guide in High Times
Oaksterdam University's Budtender's Guide is featured in the September, 2023 print issue of High Times. Here's what...
CT Social Equity Grad Seeks Investors at Sept. 6 Networking Event
Connecticut’s Social Equity Council is preparing to celebrate its first cohort with a Graduation, Business Showcase...
Dale Sky Jones on Planted Podcast
Oaksterdam University Chancellor Dale Sky Jones sat down with Planted podcast host Sara Payan on Aug. 30, 2023. They...
First CT Social Equity Entrepreneurs Graduate with Pitch Day & Mixer
GET YOUR BUSINESS SEEN! Meet social equity license holders in Connecticut's limited license market by becoming a...
OU Alum “Big Pete” Featured in High Times
We are proud to announce that Oaksterdam University alum Pete "Big Pete" Feurtado and his Santa Cruz-based business...
Dale Sky Jones Explains Cannabis Course Partnership on WIFR
Oaksterdam University Executive Chancellor Dale Sky Jones appears on WIFR TV to talk about OU's educational...
Dale Sky Jones Discusses Mississippi Dispensary Worker Training on WLOX
Oaksterdam University Executive Chancellor Dale Sky Jones appears on WLOX-TV Biloxi to discuss the university's new...
Jobs In Cannabis Cultivation Explained
So you want to be a professional cannabis cultivator? Working in cannabis cultivation can be an exciting way to bring...
Oaksterdam Partners with Highland Community College
OAKLAND, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2023) — Oaksterdam University has partnered with Highland Community College in Freeport,...
How Do You Know When Cannabis is in the Flowering Stage?
You’ve chosen your cultivars, planted your cannabis seeds, and nurtured your seedlings as they’ve grown into big,...
How To Become a Cannabis Extraction Technician
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Dale Talks Dallas on High at 9 News
Oaksterdam Executive Chancellor Dale Sky Jones appeared on High at 9 News on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 to discuss one of the day’s top new stories.
She brought up a headline out of the Dallas Morning News. Check it out here …
‘American Pot Story: Oaksterdam’ East Coast Premiere
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
How to Get the Most Flower Weight from Your Cannabis Grow
Growing cannabis is a fun and exciting hobby — unless your plants produce less flower than you had hoped.
Dale Sky Jones talks 4/20 on ABC7 News
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
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 …
Dr. Mechoulam: The Shoulders We Stand On
Oaksterdam University joins the cannabis community in mourning the passing of a pioneer.
Read more …
Announcing CaNORML Dale Gieringer Scholarships
To mark the cannabis holiday 4/20, Oaksterdam University is partnering with California NORML to award four scholarships in honor of the organization’s Director, Dale Gieringer. The scholarships will provide the opportunity to enroll in one of two self-paced online courses offered by Oaksterdam University: Home Grow or Budtending Certification.
Learn how to apply …
In the News: OU & CT Equity Program
In a recent article by Jordan Nathaniel Fenster in the CT Insider, Dale Sky Jones, the executive chancellor of Oaksterdam University, discussed the school’s involvement in Connecticut’s small business accelerator program for social equity license holders in the cannabis industry.
Jones explained the origins of the school’s name, which was inspired by the founders’ observations of the successful cannabis industry in Amsterdam and Oakland’s status as the first U.S. city to allow medical cannabis sales.
Oaksterdam x Homegrown = Free Cannabis Seeds for Students
Oaksterdam University is partnering with Homegrown Cannabis Co. to offer free seeds with enrollment in select Oaksterdam courses. Through this collaboration, students will receive free seeds to grow In real time as they correspond with the class.
Oaksterdam is the world’s first cannabis college, and Homegrown Cannabis Co. is one of the world’s fastest-growing seed banks. Oaksterdam is a legacy educational institution that offers the premiere cannabis curricula.
This partnership brings the two worlds together to help students grow.
Oaksterdam Interview: Tamika McPhail Helps Build Connecticut Cannabis Equity with reSET
For over 20 years, Tamika McPhail has been a leader in advocacy and cannabis. As the Connecticut State Director for Minorities For Medical Marijuana and a graduate of the Black Cannabis Business Mastermind, she most recently added Program Manager for the Connecticut Social Equity Cannabis Business Accelerator, powered by Oaksterdam University, to her resumé.
Tamika’s goals are to help social equity licensees successfully open the doors to their cannabis businesses and be a resource to the Connecticut cannabis community. ..
The Evolution of Cannabis Consulting with Goose Duarte
Goose Duarte has worked at the forefront of the legal cannabis industry since its emergence in the San Francisco Bay Area in the early 2000s. He has helped define the role of a budtender in the world’s pioneering dispensaries. Today he is the director of operations at Oaksterdam University.
Goose worked in almost every position at Harborside Health Center in Oakland, from inventory, stocking, product displays, check-in and registration, budtender, and management.
Here, he shares Harborside’s six-step consultation and sale process …
Alumni Spotlight: Perry Jones
As communities across the country build equity programs into cannabis law, Oaksterdam Alumni Perry Jones shines as a beacon of success.
Perry has gone through San Francisco’s Cannabis Equity Program and is well on his way to opening a dispensary in his community.
To bring his business to life, he has partnered with MMD Incorporated, a leader in providing safe, legal cannabis to customers through four retail dispensaries in Los Angeles. Their partnership will bring MMD’s first storefront to Northern California, with Jones as Co-Owner and CEO.
20 Best Conferences for New Cannabis Business Entrepreneurs
Cannabis conferences are one of the most helpful resources out there for new cannapreneurs and more seasoned cannabis...
Puff, Puff, Pass: February Cannabis News
The cannabis industry is constantly evolving and growing, with new developments happening all the time.
From Twitter welcoming cannabis ads to ‘diet weed’ and Dale Sky Jones being named to Cannabis Now’s Hall of Fame, here’s a look at recent industry items in the news …
A Look Back at Mary Jane “Brownie Mary” Rathbun
Claire Birch was a Berkeley, California-based documentarian who followed much of the early movement toward medical cannabis laws in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Click here for rare footage of Brownie Mary passionately describing her work and why she does it, as well as a contextual interview about her with Dennis Peron.
Grow Mag Q&A With Mr. and Mrs. Jones
Dale Sky Jones and Jeff Jones have been referred to as the “First Couple of Cannabis.” Dale is the Executive Chancellor of Oaksterdam University and Jeff is on OU’s Horticulture Faculty.
Recently, Mr. and Mrs. Jones did an extensive Q&A in Grow Magazine with Writer and Cultivator A.C. Moon. They talked about everything from their first interactions with the plant to where they see the future of the industry. They also discussed whether cannabis makes them better parents, PTSD from persecution, and policies they’d like to see enacted at the federal level along with much, much more …
“American Pot Story: Oaksterdam” Wins Audience Choice Award
New Love Films and Oaksterdam University are proud to announce the feature documentary American Pot Story: Oaksterdam took home the prestigious ”Unstoppable” Audience Award on Jan. 26, 2023, after its world premiere at the Slamdance Film Festival, Jan. 20-26 in Park City and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Part of the festival’s annual Sparky Awards, the Audience Awards are among the most coveted because they are voted on by Slamdance attendees, reflecting fan favorites and setting the stage for future film festival appearances and commercial success.




























































