The first open-to-the-public storefront dispensaries emerged in the San Francisco Bay Area in the late 1990s, and Oaksterdam faculty and subject matter experts worked to develop the first standards and practices that have now been adopted by cannabis retail storefronts worldwide. Our certifications are continually updated as the industry matures and are focused on preparing workers for the critical role of providing customer service and product guidance to consumers.

We offer three types of certification for retail workers:

About Regional Responsible Vendor Training

The Regional Responsible Vendor Training adapts our signature Budtending Certification around state and/or municipality-level laws and regulations to meet the specific needs of retail businesses seeking an affordable, consistent, and reliable source of employee training and certification. It is designed for entry-level workers. Where these trainings are required by law, Oaksterdam has obtained state regulatory-agency approval. Training is available in the following states:

Don’t see your region? Reach out to academics@oaksterdamuniversity.com to learn more about how we can support you.

#1

America’s First Cannabis College,
We Paved the Way for Legalization

100K

Alumni – Regulators, Professionals
& Changemakers Worldwide

116

Countries OU Students Hail From – And Returned to Fight the War on Drugs

25+

Cannabis Courses Offered to Help
You Reach Your Goals in the Industry

Flexible Learning Options

Learn On Your Own Schedule

Self-Paced Online Curricula
Live Interactive Zoom Classes
One-on-One Coaching
In-Person Workshops

Become An Industry Leader

Certification Sets You Apart

Oaksterdam offers a wide range of electives that support your personal growth and certifications that are recognized industry-wide and prepare you for a career in cannabis.

Certification programs can be completed at home at your own pace and include interactive curricula, videos, and supplemental resources.

Books by Oaksterdam

The Budtender’s Guide

Providing the best resources for working in cannabis retail

The Cannabis Terminology Style Guide

Outlines proper definitions, grammar, usage, and more.

Are you a current student? Want to check out our electives, certifications, and courses? 

Why You Should Choose Oaksterdam

We are the global leader in cannabis education, providing the highest quality training in the cannabis industry. Oaksterdam founders, faculty, staff, and subject matter experts established the modern standards and business practices that define today’s cannabis industry and led the movement to relegalize and regulate cannabis. As the industry matures and the legal landscape evolves, our courses are continually refined and updated by subject matter experts considered leaders in their fields. Online self-paced courses are ADA-compliant.