Massachusetts Responsible Vendor Training
Authorized: Green CulturED is an approved Responsible Vendor Trainer (RVT) certified by Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) (Approval: #RVN453682) to ensure agents receive annual training to remain in compliance.
Massachusetts Cannabis Establishments may now register agents for one of our engaging compliance training that’s required by the CCC. We are dedicated to providing an excellent educational experience for all owners, managers, and employees that are involved in the handling and sale of all cannabis products.
With our four (4) hours of 100% online, web-based training, we meet the annual required Responsible Vendor “Basic Core Curriculum” that contributes towards an agent’s eight (8) hours of mandatory yearly education. Agents are required to attend this training through a certified provider within ninety (90) days of their employment and training is valid for one (1) year so it must be renewed annually.
Massachusetts is one of the first states to mandate industry training for all the employees in roles that involve “touching the plant.” All of the owners, managers, employees, and agents involved in the handling or sale of cannabis or any edible-infused products employed by an adult- or medical-use cannabis dispensing organization must complete the required cannabis compliance training annually.
Our Responsible Vendor training includes the responsible use of cannabis, laws, and regulations, sale to minor prohibitions, safe storage of cannabis, handling of waste, security requirements, packaging and labeling requirements, safe delivery practices, and all the other required topics. All agents, including all principal officers, must meet all of the training requirements established by the state law.
The CCC will oversee this mandate to ensure cannabis companies and all agents comply with the Responsible Vendor training requirements. Per the requirements, all cannabis industry agents that are “touching the plant” must take this specific compliance training every year and with a passing score of 70% (or higher grade). Our Responsible Vendor Trainers support licensee compliance and enhance the safety of customers and employees of cannabis businesses in the Commonwealth.
Already Enrolled?

Massachusetts Capital (Boston, MA)
Micro-Learning Format
- Time: 4:00 Hours (Required)
- Video: 5 Self-Paced Training
- Resources: 5 eBooks (PDF)
- Glossary: State Legal Terms
- Assessments: 5 Quizzes
- Grade: 70%+ Required
- Display: Badge & Certificate
- Validity: 1-Year Renewal
- Language: English (CC)
- Enrollment: 90-Day Access
- Format: On-Demand Video
- Authorized: #RVN453682
Micro-Learning Module
Learn about the potential therapeutic uses, health risks of using cannabis, and effects caused by chemical compounds found in the plant. These different compounds in cannabis are called cannabinoids. You’ll discover how the most prevalent psychoactive cannabinoid is called Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which has various psychological and physiological effects on the body. THC is the only cannabinoid that you know for sure has clear intoxicating effects on its own, but you will discover that other cannabinoids can influence how THC affects the body.
Micro-Learning Module
You will learn that preventing and detecting diversion within the cannabis industry is a very serious issue. The ability of a business to cultivate, produce, or sell cannabis products can only be done with strict adherence to government regulations. Without complying with cannabis diversion regulations, there’s no chance of legally running a cannabis business without the fear of a forcible shutdown looming in the distance. Another aspect of diversion is checking for valid Identifications (IDs) to confirm age and prevent underage access.
Micro-Learning Module
If you have been in the cannabis industry for some time, you are well aware of the METRC Seed-to-Sale tracking system, the regulatory cannabis inventory accounting software utilized by governments. If you are not aware of METRC it is a crucial component of compliance for cannabis businesses. With limited resources and a lack of data, governments face extremely high expectations of implementing legalization. Elected government officials and the public demand an effective and comprehensive framework for monitoring the cannabis industry.
Micro-Learning Module
The goal of checking for valid Identifications (IDs) is to confirm age to prevent underage access and stop the legal, financial, and social consequences of underage consumption. This is a huge task given the large and increasing numbers of fake IDs on the market and the ease with which they can be obtained. Quality fake IDs are so like real IDs and it’s hard for those checking IDs to tell the difference if they lack training. And this becomes a big compliance problem since workers don’t know what security features to look for and feel peoples’ IDs.
Micro-Learning Module
Basic Core Curriculum means the foundational training curriculum required of all establishment agents taught by a Responsible Vendor Trainer that’s required by law. The mission of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is to honor the will of the voters of Massachusetts by implementing and administering the laws enabling access to medical and adult-use marijuana in the commonwealth. The CCC was established and amended by Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017 which also established the Cannabis Advisory Board.
Advanced Core Curriculum
Our program meets the four (4) hours of the required “Basic Core Curriculum” Responsible Vendor training for agents (the new regulations for “Advanced Core Curriculum” become available in 2022). Upon completing the “Basic Core Curriculum”, an agent is eligible to take the “Advanced Core Curriculum”, this advanced training may be taken after completing the “Basic Core Curriculum”. Agents must have eight (8) hours of ongoing training annually with at least four (4) hours of instruction time from the “Basic Core Curriculum” at a minimum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find Questions Frequently Asked & Answers Provided for Informational Purposes ONLY By the Massachusetts State Cannabis Control Commission.
When an establishment licensee is designated a "Responsible Vendor"... all new employees involved in the handling and sale of cannabis for adult use must successfully complete a Responsible Vendor Training program within ninety (90) days of hire. After initial successful completion of the training, each owner, manager, and employee will complete the program once every year for the establishment to maintain the designation as a "Responsible Vendor."
Administrative employees who do not handle or sell cannabis may take the "Responsible Vendor" program on a voluntary basis. Establishments that achieve "Responsible Vendor" status must keep records about Responsible Vendor Training program compliance for four (4) years. The training records must also be available for inspection by Commission staff and any other applicable licensing authority if they are requested (during normal business hours).
Proper training is critical... under Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) regulations, agents are required to complete training prior to performing their job functions. Training must be tailored to the roles and responsibilities of each establishment job function, and each agent must receive eight (8) hours of ongoing training annually. The training must include at least four (4) hours of "Responsible Vendor Basic Core Curriculum" by a certified trainer and a total of eight (8) hours annually from the "Responsible Vendor Advanced Core Curriculum" to prepare participants and pass the assessments with a seventy-percent (70%) or better grade.
Responsible Vendor Trainers are independent entities... an owner or employee of a Responsible Vendor Training program cannot have a controlling interest in a licensed establishment, and standards are in place to ensure trainers do not experience conflicts of interest or sell certain services, equipment, or supplies from third parties. Businesses that become certified as Responsible Vendor Trainers must complete an application, which includes copies of the proposed training materials, and have it approved by the Commission.
Responsible Vendor Trainers are required to stay up-to-date on developments in federal and state laws and regulations that affect establishments in order to ensure their training and testing materials are current. Additionally, to remain certified, Responsible Vendor Trainers must submit their training every two (2) years for review and re-approval by the Commission.
The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) application asks... for the city and state where the training was taken, we're located in Denver, Colorado in the United States.
Certified Responsible Vendor Training programs must cover... the issues identified by Massachusetts laws and any other topics required by the Commission. The "Responsible Vendor Basic Core Curriculum" must extend at least four (4) hours and prepare participants to pass a written test by achieving a score of seventy percent (70%) or better. Online programs must employ measures to ensure participants cannot skip through any portions of the program. Responsible Vendor Trainers allow Commission staff to visit in-person training without notice and provide opportunities for them to monitor online training programs.
To be certified as a Responsible Vendor Trainer an entity must offer a training program in a real-time, interactive setting, either live or online, in which the instructor is able to verify the identification of each individual participating in the program and certify completion of the program by the identified participant. Such verification procedures will include the scanning of the participant’s current driver’s license or government-issued identification and also maintaining the scanned identification as part of the participant’s record. The test taker will employ measures to ensure the participant’s identification is authentic, and the participant is the same person depicted. Online programs must also take steps to ensure the exact same participant is taking the course throughout and not substituting someone else to complete it.
Within ninety (90) days... the training must be completed within the first ninety (90) days of employment at a licensed business. Training received outside of the ninety (90) day window will not meet the compliance requirements set by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
Annually. Our four (4) hour Responsible Vendor Training program must be completed annually as part of the eight (8) hours that are mandated by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
Participants must pass a written test with a score of 70% or better... participants who cannot speak or write English may be offered a verbal test, but the questions must be the same as those on the written test and the results of the verbal test must be documented with a passing score of 70% or better. Although Responsible Vendor Trainers are encouraged to provide multilingual training, it is not a requirement. The test may be delivered in English.
The Responsible Vendor Trainer must also be able to provide accommodations to disabled participants. Once participants have completed their training, the Responsible Vendor Trainer must provide an evaluation regarding program effectiveness. As a Responsible Vendor Trainer, we review evaluations and make corrections (within CCC’s requirements).
"Responsible Vendor Basic Core Curriculum" means... the foundational training curriculum required of all marijuana establishment agents taught by a Responsible Vendor Trainer. The "Basic Core Curriculum" will cover all of the following required topics in the training:
Module 1: Cannabis' effect on the human body, including the following topics:
- Scientifically-Based Evidence (on the Physical & Mental Health Effects via Cannabis Product Type)
- Amount of Time to Feel Impairment From Cannabis
- Visible Signs of Impairment From Cannabis Consumption
- Recognizing Signs of Impairment From Cannabis Consumption
Module 2: Diversion Prevention & Prevention of Sales to Minors (including Retail Dispensary Best Practices)
Module 3: METRC Tracking System & Government Compliance Requirements
Module 4: Acceptable Identification Forms
- Checking Customer Identification
- Spotting Fake & Confiscating Fraudulent Identification (ID)
- Valid Patient Registration Cards Currently Being Issued
- Common Identification Verification Mistakes Typically Made
- Prohibited Cannabis Purchases & Selling Best Practices
Module 5: Other Massachusetts laws required, including the following topics:
- Cannabis Establishment Agents Conduct & Best Practices
- Permitting Inspections (Local/State Licensing & Enforcement)
- Government Licensing & Enforcement (Including CCC Registration & License Sanctions)
- Reporting Incidents & Legal Notification Requirements
- Administrative, Civil & Criminal Liability Requirements
- Waste Disposal, Worker Health & Workplace Safety Standards
- Patrons Prohibited From Bringing Cannabis & Related-Products (Within Licensed Premises)
- Permitted Hours of Sales (Cannabis Industry Restrictions)
- Licensee Responsibilities (Allowed/Illegal Premise Activities)
- Record Maintenance (Confidentiality & Privacy)
- Any other topics determined by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) will be included.
"Responsible Vendor Advanced Core Curriculum" means... the advanced training curriculum taught by a Responsible Vendor Trainer that may be taken by agents after completing the "Responsible Vendor Basic Core Curriculum" that's being required.
Each "Responsible Vendor Advanced Core Curriculum" training will be approved prior to being offered and the curriculum will build on the knowledge, skills, and practices covered in the "Responsible Vendor Basic Core Curriculum." A "Responsible Vendor Advanced Core Curriculum" training will include standards and best practices in the following areas:
- Cannabis Cultivation
- Product Manufacturing
- Retail Dispensary
- Delivery & Transportation
- Social Consumption
- Laboratory Science
- Energy Consumption & Environmental Best Practices
- Social Justice & Economically Reparative Best Practices
- Implicit Bias & Diversity Training
- Worker & Workplace Safety
- Food Safety & Sanitation
- Confidentiality & Privacy
- In-depth coverage of any topic(s) taught within the "Responsible Vendor Basic Core Curriculum."
- Any other training topics determined by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) will be included as they become required.
In addition to the "Responsible Vendor Basic Core Curriculum"... all agents acting as delivery employees of a delivery licensee or an establishment with a delivery endorsement will have successfully completed "Delivery Core Curriculum" prior to making a delivery to the extent not covered in "Basic Core Responsible Vendor Training" include training on:
- Safely Conducting Deliveries
- Checking Identification Procedures
- Safe Cash Handling Practices
- Securing Product Following Diversion, Theft or Loss (of Finished Cannabis Products)
- Assisting, Collecting & Communicating Information During Compliance Investigations
- Cannabis Impairment Indications
- De-Escalating Potentially Dangerous Situations Strategies
- Recording Devices Being Used (Consumer Notifications)
- Other topics determined by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) will be included as required.
An establishment authorized to process cannabis will... do so in a safe and sanitary manner when processing the leaves and flowers of the female cannabis plant only, which will be:
- Well-Cured Cannabis Flower That's Free of Seeds & Stems
- Cannabis That's Free of Dirt, Sand, Debris & Other Foreign Matter
- Cannabis Free Contamination by Mold, Rot, Other Fungus, Pests & Bacterial Diseases & Satisfying Sanitation Requirements
- Prepared & Handled Using Food-Grade Stainless Steel Tables (with No Contact From Bare Hands)
- Secured Cannabis Packaging Areas
- Businesses That Develop, Repackage, or Process Non-Edible Cannabis Products Sanitary Requirements Compliance
- Businesses That Develop or Process Edibles Will Meet Prepared, Handled & Stored Sanitary Requirements
- Proper Product Handling Compliance (unless Commission Authorizes a Colocated Marijuana Operations Being Exempted)
Yes. Provided it meets the training requirements of the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
Yes! For example, our Responsible Vendor Training Certification is four (4) hours of total training time, so the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) would still require you will need to complete four (4) hours of extra training to meet the eight (8) hours required annually.
A Responsible Vendor Trainer must maintain its training records... at its principal place of business during the applicable calendar year and for the following three (3) years. The Responsible Vendor Trainer must make the records available for inspection by Commission staff and any other applicable licensing authority upon request during normal business hours. The Responsible Vendor Trainer must also be able to provide written documentation of attendance and successful passage of a test on the training of the curriculum for agents.
Responsible Vendor Trainers are required to be independent... of other establishments. They may, however, require the support of participants in the cannabis industry, including licensees or establishment agents. To preserve the independence of the Responsible Vendor Trainer and prevent misuse, and will control the use of commercial interests in training.
For the purpose of these standards, a “commercial interest” is any entity, or individual affiliated with such entity, that cultivates, manufactures, produces, tests, transports, or sells cannabis, products, or accessories, or supplies services, equipment, or materials to such entities. Commercial support is financial, or in-kind, contributions given by a commercial interest, which is used to pay all or part of the costs of a Responsible Vendor Training activity.
Social Equity
We're About Empowering People to Create Opportunities That Make Them Excited to "Get Out of Bed Each Morning" & Believe Cannabis Can Be the "Ultimate Lever" to Make a HUGE Difference.
Scholarship Lottery & Business Program
By helping to remove hurdles for under-represented entrepreneurs and future leaders, they're realigning our industry's "true soul" with more IMPACT, meaning, and happiness that will deliver them even greater profits. Here's how we help:
- Scholarship Lottery (Monthly): Lottery awards Tuition-FREE enrollments for "HQ Learning Center" access (MSRP:
$1,764 / Annually) for one year. - Business Program (Forever): Licensees get a 50% OFF "forever discount" on our total eLearning solutions (MSRP:
Priceless) to easily train teams.
Who Should Start HQ?

Team Leader
Love us since we speed up "all things training" & REMOVE all those barriers of managing teams where they talk "different languages."

HR Professional
Love us due to how we 100% automate new team member training to GROW their teams' abilities & get them all on the same page now!

Compliance Team
Love us since we help get that "compliance grind" UN-STUCK & if you are looking for a better way for training, we're an easy shortcut!

C-Suite Executive
Love us simply due to running a BIZ is very hard so let's start by aggregating all training records in one place so don't ever worry again!