The New Jersey Department of State’s NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC) marked the one-year anniversary of its groundbreaking Cannabis Training Academy (CTA), a free technical assistance program designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of establishing a licensed and regulatory-compliant cannabis business in the state.
Since its launch on Oct. 16, 2024, the CTA—the first of its kind in the nation—has enrolled more than 1,700 students on its no-cost online educational platform. The program has become a national model for other states looking to create accessible pathways into their burgeoning cannabis industries.
The CTA’s mission is particularly focused on helping Impact Zone communities—those disproportionately affected by the war on drugs—by providing comprehensive, learner-led training on crucial topics like the licensing application process, municipal approval, zoning issues, raising capital, and general operations.
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, who oversees the NJBAC as Secretary of State, emphasized the program’s value. “The Cannabis Training Academy offers invaluable resources that help small business owners go through the process of legal cannabis business management,” Way said. “With the right knowledge and tools, we are fostering a more inclusive and sustainable cannabis industry in New Jersey.”
Expanding access and compliance
To further broaden its reach, the CTA recently made all 10 levels of its core curriculum and its final certificate of completion available in Spanish. This move acknowledges that Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the state and aims to remove language barriers to entry.
In addition to the core licensing training, the CTA introduced a new no-cost compliance course to help industry professionals satisfy their yearly Cannabis Business Identification Card (CBIC) badging requirements, a legal necessity for virtually all workers and owners in the New Jersey cannabis industry.
“In just one year, the CTA has accomplished so much,” NJBAC Executive Director Melanie Willoughby said. “As a no-cost program, the CTA removes the financial barrier to entry into this lucrative industry. The CTA is also for existing cannabis businesses who want to remain in compliance with all the regulations.”
The CTA’s success is already being shared nationally. Earlier this year, NJBAC representatives, including CTA Executive Director Tauhid Chappell, traveled to Maryland to share their experiences in launching and operating what is now the largest government-run cannabis technical assistance program in the country.
Upon completing the 60+ courses offered by the program’s 10-level core curriculum, students receive an official CTA certification, which can be included in a New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) license application as proof of prior business experience.
