Develop Cannabis Expertise By Learning From Real Industry PROS (Not "Gurus") That'll Elevate Skills & Scale Knowledge
We're A Place You Can Learn About Cannabis From Industry Operators So You'll Never Have "Question(s) That Go Unanswered" Since Our Community-Based Learning Develops REAL Expertise
Made For: Adult-Use Dispensary Medical Dispensary Cultivation Operations Processing Facilities Distribution Services Testing Laboratory Cannabis Microbusiness Delivery Services Consumption Lounge Nursery Operations Research Activities Vertical Integration
Courses, Certification & Community (+ More) That Keeps You "On The Cutting Edge" In This Ever-Changing Industry
Whether you’re a beginner looking for a place to start or a seasoned industry professional looking to up-level your skills, we have everything you need to get cannabis DONE whether you’re looking to scale knowledge and create opportunities.
Our platform comes with everything a modern cannabis learner and industry professional could need in the cannabis industry with specialized learning paths that act as your personal “education guide” offering deep cannabis knowledge.
From dispensaries and manufacturers to cultivation and compliance, we offer something for everyone to learn the intricacies of each niche, providing the skills and up-to-date training so you’re always one step ahead of the competition.
Retail Cannabis Operations
"Discover Learning Pathways Into Retail Cannabis Niches..."
Retail cannabis can be a big beast to understand & learn its “inner workings”, am I right? We all know how frequently the laws change, how consumer preferences evolve, plus new brands emerging from the deep waters & to be frank, it can be quite overwhelming!
Discover the art of different “cannabis experiences” while learning what it takes to stay in compliant with industry regulators. Become a leader, educating clients, mastering sales, and embracing diversity, all while unlocking the potential for a dynamic cannabis career.
- Consumer "Cannabis Experience": Discover how experiences are created via cannabis home deliveries, from social consumption, to music festivals + OTHERS.
- Retail "Brick & Mortar" Stores: Learn the "ins & outs" of retail license types from medical dispensaries, to recreational operations & retail CBD stores + MORE.
"Cannabis Is Complex Legally, Chemically & Biologically, So It's Essential To Learn From "Seed-to-Sale" That'll Create Expertise..."
"Cannabis Cultivation & Horticulture Production Knowledge That Assists Growing Operations Aligning Standards..."
Cannabis Plant Cultivation
"Pathways That'll Master Cultivating Craft Cannabis..."
The cannabis field is growing. But to keep growing, it needs growers. Master the craft of systematically growing “Cannabis Cup” winning harvests & not only gain the industry skills to flourish growing cannabis at home but in licensed cannabis cultivation operations.
Individuals like you who have an interest in high-yield harvests and hybrid strains. People who understand cultivation, but who are also ready to navigate the compliance around operations and distribution. Growing opportunities abound and This is your chance to get in at the ground level.
- "Home Grown" Cannabis: Cannabis agriculture is a complex but rewarding process when you learn like a "master grower" once you've grown a "green thumb" yourself.
- "Master Grower" Operators: Gain the skills to manage cultivation supply in licensed cannabis horticulture facilities & even develop expertise to educate "future growers".
Cannabis Product Manufacturer
"Cannabis-Based Standards Production Pathways..."
Discover foolproof methods of infusing cannabis into your “grandma’s recipes” to craft memorable consumer experiences that “brands are made of” when mastering cannabis extractions, developing infusions, etc. when starting industry product lines.
In production facilities across globe, operators need industry experts with the cannabis skills to get the most out of the plant’s chemistry by understanding a recipe of manufacturing and cannabinoids so that whatever infusion comes out is ready for sale.
- "Home Made" Cannabis Edibles: Learn how products are created with edible infusion, proper dosages, different forms (ex. edibles, oils, patches & topicals, etc.)
- "Cannabis-Infused" Product Brands: Discover the "inner workings" of cannabis processing facilities & skills required to create brands that consumers remember.
"Cannabis Processing Facilities & Production Manufacturers Require Educating Brand Ambassadors Who'll Sell Products..."
"Start Your "Cannabis Journey" & Transform Into A Knowledgeable Expert Equipped That'll Thrive Within This Growing Industry..."
Cannabis Laboratory Testing
"Laboratory Optimized Analytical Pathways..."
Learn how to identify cannabinoids, organize and analyze data to find ways to improve your “cannabis experience” and promote consumer safety by ensuring they can make informed decisions.
Laboratory testing standards are instrumental in specifying industry standards & test cannabis products to make sure they’re free of contaminants, labeled with accurate amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, etc. to protect public health from any harms when consuming.
- "Home Brewed" Extractions: Keep a finger on the pulse of your "Certificate of Analysis" (COA)" on your cannabis products to under the relation to different strains, cannabinoids, terpenes, etc.
- Laboratory "Cannabis Testing": Learn cannabis potency, cannabinoids, terpenes, contaminants, etc. to contextualize testing & make sense of its results.
Get Ready To Embark On An Exciting Journey Into The “World Of Cannabis”, Like Many Industries, The Cannabis Industry Has Experienced Challenges Hiring Professional Talent.
Picture This: You Have Skills Gained From One Job, But They’re Like Keys That Can Unlock Doors To A Completely Different Field. That’s The Magic Of Transferable Skills!
These Are The Abilities You’ve Developed In One Setting That Can Easily Be Applied To Another. And Guess What? They’re Highly Valued In The Cannabis Industry.
If You’re Seeking A Career That’s Vibrant, Innovative & Full Of Potential, Then The Cannabis Industry Might Be Calling Your Name. And Guess What? You Might Already Possess Valuable Skills That Can Help You Succeed In This Blooming Industry.
Transferrable Skillsets
Customer Service
The cannabis industry requires professionals who can provide excellent customer service to clients. Individuals who have experience in customer service can bring their skills in communication, problem-solving & interpersonal relationships to excel in roles such as budtender, dispensary manager, or customer service representative.
Product Manufacturer
The cannabis industry also requires professionals who can carry out & oversee the manufacturing & production of cannabis products. Individuals with experience in manufacturing can bring their skills in quality control, production planning & supply chain management to excel in roles such as production manager, cultivation technician, or extractor.
Scientific Research
With ongoing advancements in the cannabis industry, there is a growing need for professionals who can conduct research & development to improve the efficacy of cannabis products. Individuals who have experience in research & development can bring their skills in data analysis, experimentation & innovation to excel in roles such as product development specialist or research scientist.
Sales & Marketing
Cannabis products are in high demand & businesses need professionals who can promote & sell their products effectively. Individuals who have experience in sales & marketing can bring their skills in advertising, product positioning & persuasion to excel in roles such as sales representative, marketing specialist, or brand ambassador.
Gov't Compliance
Cash Management
Legacy operators in the cannabis industry often have a solid understanding of money management & running a profitable business. They are accustomed to managing finances, handling cash flow, budgeting & navigating the complexities of operating in a cash-intensive industry. These skills are essential for success in the regulated market, where financial management & compliance with regulations are critical.
Inventory Logistics
Product Knowledge
Team Management
Brand Marketing
Equipment Operation
Facility Security
Military training emphasizes adherence to protocols, guidelines & standard operating procedures to ensure the safety of personnel. Veterans bring a strong sense of discipline & an understanding of the importance of compliance with rules & regulations. In the cannabis industry, where compliance with laws, regulations & safety protocols is crucial, veterans can contribute by promoting a culture of compliance, implementing robust standard operating procedures & prioritizing the well-being of employees & consumers.
Gov't Recordkeeping
Agriculture Experience
Plant Breeding
Manufacturer Practices
Testing Labs
Retail Sales
Dispensaries & on-site consumption spaces need experts in sales, customer service & marketing with knowledge of cannabis product types, employee & public security protocols & public health risks.
Transportation Logistics
Product Development
- Experience as a barista, bartender, or server? You could start as an entry-level bud tender.
- Experience working in a nursery or on a farm? You could start as an entry-level cultivator, harvester, or trimmer.
- Experience working in manufacturing? You could start in an entry-level packager or production position.
- Experience as a med or lab tech? You could start in an entry-level position in processing or lab testing.
- Experience as an operations manager in a restaurant, retail location, or warehouse? You could transfer into management in the cannabis industry.
- Experience with logistics or delivery? Many of these skills can be transferred to the logistics side of the cannabis industry.
Lab Learning Centers
Lab Is Made For Casual Learners If You're "Canna-Curious" & Looking For Community-Based Learning... Lab+ Is Made For Industry PROS Who Will Get Certified As A "Competitive Edge" That'll Grow Opportunities.
- Access our library of hyper-focused, on-demand “micro-learning” to learn everything about cannabis
- Request & vote on new training you want on our Platform Roadmap
- Digital, printable certificates issued that are suitable for framing
- Train anytime, anywhere (even offline) via our Mobile App
- Join our “GC Engage” exclusive members-only community
- Weekly “GC Insider” cannabis industry strategies & updates
- Special “GC Deals” on our new solutions & from our partners
- Includes everything in Lab...
- Access our mastery certifications... PLUS receive all future updates & new ones our team publishes
- Continuously up-skill from new “micro-learning” training released
- Receive Continuing Education Units (CEU's) for compliance training
- Display digital badges on LinkedIn™ & ability to verify certificates issued
- Access our Subject Matter Experts (SME's) for professional advice
- Post-certification resume/cover letter writing services & explore open cannabis job opportunities
Today’s Cannabis Experts Must Be More Adaptive Than Ever Before...
Date: January 10, 2025
From the desk of Evan Erickson
If you’ve never heard of a “T-Shaped Cannabis Expert,” you might think we just made it up. But, we swear – it’s a thing. And it’s a pretty big deal.
The reason being a “T-Shaped Cannabis Expert” is something all industry-leading professionals strive for is because it allows them to do more with their knowledge. It gives them a basic understanding of all the necessary parts of cannabis (like dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, laboratories, etc.) and creates a cohesive learning strategy.
Before you read further, understand these 2 terms:
- Generalists: Those with a broad understanding of the cannabis industry, able to handle various roles but without deep specialization. These are your “Jacks of all trades, masters of none.”
- Specialists: Those who focus exclusively on one specific aspect of the cannabis industry, like cultivation or compliance.
Now, forget about being just one of these…
…because one thing is certain in the cannabis industry today:
Generalists & Specialists Are Obsolete
This may sound harsh, but consider the industry’s needs:
Specialists, confined to their niche, can’t address the broader challenges of the industry.
And generalists, while adaptable across different functions, struggle to keep up with the rapidly evolving landscape and its specific demands.
So, what’s the ideal approach?
Someone who combines a broad understanding of the cannabis industry with deep expertise in one (1) key area and expands into three (~3) additional niches, crafting comprehensive knowledge.
This is known as…
What Are "T-Shaped” Cannabis Professionals?
A “T-shaped Cannabis Expert” is somebody who has expertise from one (1) to roughly three (~3) main cannabis industry niches. For example, you may be great at cannabis cultivation. You have a proven track record of doing awesome things with your plant genetics and horticulture strategies.
But they’re also savvy in other cannabis niches like retail cannabis, product manufacturing, laboratory testing, and government compliance. They’re just not as savvy as they are at the first two facets.
Each aspect of the cannabis industry informs and enhances the others, for example, knowledge in:
- Cultivation techniques can improve product quality...
- Compliance ensures the business adheres to legal regulations...
- Customer service shapes the consumer experience.
In reality…
The interconnections in the cannabis industry are endless:
A cultivation expert understands the nuances of plant growth and can apply this to improve product offerings.
But a “T-Shaped Cannabis Expert” can use this knowledge to inform broader industry strategies by integrating…
- Compliance knowledge to navigate legal frameworks...
- Marketing insights to align products with consumer preferences, and...
- Sales techniques to effectively reach the market
In another area, a retail manager focuses on customer interactions and sales.
But a T-shaped retail manager comprehends the broader cannabis landscape by understanding…
- Product knowledge and its medical benefits
- The complexities of regulatory compliance
- Effective team management and leadership
- This is where the broader picture becomes clearer.
As a cannabis professional, you already have strengths and passions (the vertical bar of your T).
You might have a general understanding of the cannabis industry (the horizontal bar of your T), but lack confidence in creating comprehensive business strategies.
T-shaped cannabis professionals have an edge because they blend the adaptability of generalists with the depth of specialists.
Enabling you to be a “Jack (or Jill) of all trades,” mastering the areas you choose!