[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cannabis degree prepares students for careers in cultivation, business, research, and policy through programs in cannabis science, marketing, pharmacology, and regulatory law.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can earn credentials at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, or master’s level, with popular majors including horticulture, cannabis studies, and healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates may pursue careers work as plant breeders, operations directors, or financial analysts, earning salaries ranging from $84,750-$400,000 annually, depending on experience and sector.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A [hen-ui-link href=”https://masscannabiscontrol.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Review-and-Assessment-of-the-Massachusetts-Adult-and-Medical-Use-Cannabis-Industries.pdf” target=”_blank”]Cannabis Control Commission report[/hen-ui-link] from February 2025 shows that the cannabis industry continues to grow despite some contraction in California, Washington, and other established markets. This trend makes earning a cannabis degree a wise investment if you live in a state that recently legalized medical or recreational cannabis.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis degrees teach you much more than cultivation and salesmanship. You’ll learn skills relevant to many careers in and outside of the industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Consider Earning a Cannabis Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The cannabis industry is rapidly expanding and presents significant career opportunities across a variety of fields. You don’t need to use the product to benefit from its growth. With shifting laws and evolving public perception, cannabis has become a dynamic and legitimate frontier for professionals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The marijuana business has increasingly become a focus for professors, courses, and both traditional and online colleges. Depending on where you live, getting an education in marijuana could help you blaze a path to a practical career in a real and growing field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individual states are acknowledging the medicinal properties of marijuana, with prohibition laws becoming more relaxed all the time. In some regions where marijuana has been fully decriminalized or legalized, it has become a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.businessinsider.com/how-legal-marijuana-could-change-californias-economy-2018-2/” target=”_blank”]major cash crop[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Degrees for the Cannabis Field[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing the right cannabis major is key to aligning your education with the career path you want to follow in the industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Agricultural Business & Entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Biology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Business Administration[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis Studies[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis Science[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chemistry[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Horticulture & Plant Sciences[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Marketing & Communications[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology & Pharmacy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Regulatory Affairs & Law[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]We’ve created a list to help you narrow these options down. Our list considers the “best” cannabis degrees to fall into one of three categories.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Most Fundamental[/hen-ui-text]: Degrees that provide a foundational understanding of cannabis biology, chemical properties, and its major principles.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Most In-Demand[/hen-ui-text]: Degrees related to cannabis with high demand in the job market.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Most Relevant[/hen-ui-text]: Degrees that study cannabis specifically and often appear on cannabis job postings.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Most Fundamental[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These degrees deliver the essential scientific, legal, and operational knowledge that forms the foundation of the cannabis industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Biology:[/hen-ui-text] A [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/biology-degree/”]biology degree[/hen-ui-link] offers a solid foundation in plant and human biology, making it highly applicable to cannabis cultivation, medical research, and understanding the plant’s effects.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Chemistry:[/hen-ui-text] A chemistry degree provides critical skills in extraction, formulation, and testing — key processes in developing cannabis products like edibles, concentrates, and topicals — while ensuring they meet rigorous safety and quality standards.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Horticulture & Plant Sciences: [/hen-ui-text]A horticulture and plant sciences degree focuses on plant growth, genetics, and cultivation techniques. It is fundamental for producing high-quality cannabis in both controlled and outdoor environments.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Most In-Demand[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These degrees are in-demand in the cannabis job market due to their practical application and industry relevance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Business Administration:[/hen-ui-text] A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-business-administration/”]business administration degree[/hen-ui-link] provides essential skills in finance, operations, marketing, and leadership, preparing you to manage cannabis enterprises like dispensaries and cultivation sites.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Agricultural Business and Entrepreneurship:[/hen-ui-text] An agricultural business and entrepreneurship degree is the best for those looking to lead and innovate in the cannabis space. It blends agricultural production knowledge with strategic business training.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Marketing: [/hen-ui-text]As cannabis brands compete for market share under strict advertising regulations, skilled marketers are in high demand. [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-marketing/”]Marketing degrees[/hen-ui-link] help you develop strategies that boost awareness while staying within regulations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Regulatory Affairs and Law: [/hen-ui-text]Cannabis laws are complex, requiring expertise in regulation and compliance. A regulatory affairs and law degree prepares you to guide businesses through licensing, operational compliance, and legal risk management.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Most Relevant[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These degrees directly align with the evolving needs and complexities of today’s cannabis industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cannabis Science: [/hen-ui-text]Cannabis science blends biology, chemistry, and cannabis-specific studies to prepare professionals for technical roles in cultivation, extraction, testing, and product development. It is one of the most versatile and in-demand degrees in the industry.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Cannabis Studies: [/hen-ui-text]A cannabis studies degree explores the plant and the cannabis industry in depth. It includes topics like history, science, policy, and business. This field is ideal for entry-level positions, advocacy efforts, or work in the public sector.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Pharmacy: [/hen-ui-text]As medical cannabis use expands, pharmacists play a growing role in patient education and safe product use. Pharmacy degrees offer foundational drug knowledge, and with added cannabis-specific training, pharmacists can play key roles in patient care and product guidance.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Healthcare: [/hen-ui-text]With expanding medical cannabis programs, healthcare professionals need specialized training. This degree combines clinical expertise with cannabis therapeutics, ensuring effective patient support and informed care.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Cannabis Programs: Certificate to Master’s Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis education programs range from short-term certificates to advanced degrees, offering cultivation, business, science, and regulation training. Each program level provides unique skills for entering or advancing the cannabis industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Cannabis Certificate Program”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 6 months-1 year[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Packaging technicians, compliance assistants, and inventory specialists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis certificate programs are short-term, flexible courses that offer foundational or specialized training. Topics often include cannabis history, cultivation, and dispensary operations. Ideal for beginners or professionals, these programs are commonly available online or through continuing education and focus on practical skills for quick industry entry or advancement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Associate Degrees in Cannabis-Related Programs”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Required Credits: 60 credits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Cannabis cultivation technicians, dispensary operations managers, and cannabis product specialists[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in a cannabis-related field combines general education with coursework about cannabis. You’ll typically study plant biology, horticulture, soil science, cultivation techniques, extraction methods, business fundamentals, and legal compliance. Programs often include hands-on lab training and can lead to technical roles or further study in bachelor’s programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Bachelor’s Degrees in Cannabis-Related Programs”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 4 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Required Credits: 120 credits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Supply chain analysts, marketing specialists, and quality assurance managers[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cannabis-focused bachelor’s degree combines science, business, or law with specialized cannabis studies. Majors include plant chemistry, cultivation, and cannabis business. Programs feature botany, pharmacology, and regulation coursework, along with internships, research, and electives for hands-on experience and professional development.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Master’s Degrees in Cannabis-Related Programs”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program Length: 2 years[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Required Credits: 30-40 credits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Potential Jobs: Cannabis industry consultants, researchers, and executives[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master’s in a cannabis-related field offers advanced study in science, business, policy, or public health. Some master’s programs may not be explicitly labeled “cannabis,” but fall under related areas like medicinal plant sciences, public health with cannabis electives, or cannabis regulation and compliance.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many clinical and research positions, especially within the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, require a master’s degree to work in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Consider Before Applying to a Cannabis-Related Degree Program: 3 Key Factors[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Before applying to a cannabis degree program, there are several factors to consider. First, think about your interests and goals and make sure the major matches them. Next, check the program’s accreditation and admission requirements.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Determine Your Major[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Cannabis programs may focus on science, business, agriculture, or law. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/”]Choose a major[/hen-ui-link] that aligns with your career goals, whether you’re interested in cultivation, policy, entrepreneurship, or healthcare.For example, if you’re aiming for a clinical role in the medical cannabis field, consider a major in cannabis medicine. If you’re more interested in the business side of the industry, a bachelor’s degree in cannabis business or entrepreneurship may be a better fit. At the graduate level, you can even pursue an MBA with a focus on cannabis commercialization.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Ensure Accreditation[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While there’s no specific national accreditation agency dedicated specifically to cannabis programs, it’s important to ensure your prospective college has institutional accreditation.[hen-ui-link href=”/resources/accreditation/”]Institutional accreditation[/hen-ui-link] matters for several reasons. It ensures academic quality, credit transferability, and eligibility for financial aid or licensure. If you’re applying to a business-focused cannabis program, check for accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Admission requirements for cannabis degree programs vary significantly depending on the type of cannabis degree and degree level you’re pursuing. However, there are some common admission requirements you can expect to find across schools. Standard undergraduate application requirements include:[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Letters of recommendation[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Standardized test scores, such as the ACT or SAT[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A personal statement or essay[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do As a Cannabis Major?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cannabis major has many job options in the industry. You can work in cultivation and handle cannabis plants from seed to harvest. With experience, you can also advance to executive roles, guiding companies and impacting the industry’s future. Other roles are in finance, marketing, and operations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Cannabis Major Career Paths and Job Outlook[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]6 Cannabis Major Careers[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Change (2022-2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Preferred Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Plant Breeder[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”6 Cannabis Major Careers”]$84,750[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Change (2022-2023)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Production Manager[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”6 Cannabis Major Careers”]$90,950[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Change (2022-2023)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Financial Analyst[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”6 Cannabis Major Careers”]$105,000[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]10%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Change (2022-2023)”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Director of Merchandising[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”6 Cannabis Major Careers”]$151,100[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Change (2022-2023)”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]VP of Operations[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”6 Cannabis Major Careers”]$224,350[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]5%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Change (2022-2023)”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Chief Executive Officer[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”6 Cannabis Major Careers”]$402,350[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary (2023)”]7%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Change (2022-2023)”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Cannabis Major Salary[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Salaries for cannabis majors are not specifically available. However, related fields such as agriculture, biology, and chemistry offer useful insights into potential earnings. In general, graduates of master’s degree programs earn more than those in bachelor’s degree programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Starting Salaries for Cannabis and Other Closely Related Majors[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Mean Starting Salary by Program Type (2023)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Master’s Degree[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Agriculture Majors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mean Starting Salary by Program Type (2023)”]$49,410[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bachelor’s Degree”]$69,780[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Biology Majors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mean Starting Salary by Program Type (2023)”]$47,840[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bachelor’s Degree”]$62,800[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Chemistry Majors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mean Starting Salary by Program Type (2023)”]$54,410[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bachelor’s Degree”]$56,940[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Plant Science Majors[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Mean Starting Salary by Program Type (2023)”]$50,130[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Bachelor’s Degree”]$56,400[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Where Cannabis Majors Can Work[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As of May 2025, [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ncsl.org/health/state-medical-cannabis-laws#:~:text=Thirty%2Dnine%20states%2C%20three%20territories,cannabis%20products%20as%20of%20Feb” target=”_blank”]medical cannabis is legal in 39 states[/hen-ui-link], including California and Colorado. Graduates in these states can find jobs in fields such as cultivation, marketing, and retail. However, states like Texas and Idaho have not legalized marijuana, which limits job options there.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How Much Does a Cannabis Degree Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cannabis degree can vary greatly in cost based on the level and institution. According to the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_330.20.asp” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (NCES), tuition for an associate degree at a public in-state school is approximately $3,598. A bachelor’s degree costs about $9,750 in-state, while out-of-state tuition reaches $28,297.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Median Annual Tuition Cost By Degree Level and Institution Type (2022-23)[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Degree Level[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public, In-State[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Public, Out-of-State[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Private[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Associate[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$3,598[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public, In-State”]$8,565[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public, Out-of-State”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Bachelor’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$9,750[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public, In-State”]$28,297[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public, Out-of-State”]$35,248[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Master’s[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Degree Level”]$11,827*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public, In-State”]N/A[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Public, Out-of-State”]$20,515*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Majors and Marijuana Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are the highest-paying cannabis careers?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best-paying cannabis jobs are in cultivation, testing, executive roles, and accounting and finance, according to a 2023 report by [hen-ui-link href=”https://beal.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Cannabis-Salary-Guide.pdf” target=”_blank”]CannabizTeam Worldwide[/hen-ui-link]. Top-tier roles like chief executive officers, master growers, and vice presidents of cultivation can earn up to $549,800 annually.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the best cannabis major?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The best cannabis major depends on your career goals. Pursue a science major if you want to grow cannabis or research its effects on people. A [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-entrepreneurship/”]degree in entrepreneurship[/hen-ui-link] can help you develop the skills necessary to start a dispensary or another cannabis-related business.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Work with your college’s academic and career advisors to discuss your goals. These highly trained professionals can help you choose the right degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many colleges offer cannabis degrees?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many colleges in the United States offer cannabis-related degrees, though the exact number is hard to determine. In 2023, Cardinal News reported around [hen-ui-link href=”https://cardinalnews.org/2023/12/14/about-40-colleges-across-the-u-s-now-offer-programs-in-cannabis-studies/” target=”_blank”]40 colleges with cannabis studies programs[/hen-ui-link]. These programs include bachelor’s and master’s degrees, both in-person and online.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many states have a cannabis program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are 39 states and the District of Columbia that allow the medical use of cannabis products as of May 2025, many of which have cannabis degree programs. The exact number of states is difficult to pinpoint. They include Colorado, Maryland, California, Pennsylvania, and Maine.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is a cannabis degree worth it?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A cannabis degree might seem unusual, but it can lead to a great career. Global Market Insights expects the North American cannabidiol market to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/cannabidiol-cbd-market” target=”_blank”]grow to $108 billion by 2032[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In 2023, median salaries for cultivation and retail jobs ranged from $42,000 to $256,300, according to CannabizTeam Worldwide. This includes roles like director of cultivation and dispensary manager.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1271,1420″][/hen-ui-article-row]