Cannabis 101
Whether you’re new to the cannabis industry or are looking to expand your knowledge for career advancement or business, this course provides a foundation in cannabis.
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Learn the fundamentals and craft of cannabis
Whether you’re a complete beginner or are working in the industry, you’ve come to the right place to further grow your cannabis skills. Cannabis 101 and Cooking with Cannabis are designed to elevate your knowledge in the cannabis industry in a self-paced online format.
Why take cannabis courses with MSU Denver?
Gain practical knowledge from industry professionals while learning from University-backed noncredit courses.
Careers in Cannabis
Whether you’re interested in cannabis retail management or the culinary arts, apply your newly learned skills and knowledge in a variety of industries.
Business and Management
- Cannabis Brand Coordinator
- Cannabis Dispensary Assistant Manager
Hospitality
- Cannabis Event or Experience Coordinator
- Infused Product Chef or Culinary Assistant
Science and Research
- Cannabis Laboratory Technician
- Quality Assurance or Compliance Associate
Cost
Each course costs $475 with a $35 registration fee.
No textbooks are required for any of the courses. There are a few items that will be needed for the Cooking with Cannabis course that will cost approximately $50-$60.
Course dates
Students can take one class, or combine all three to receive the Cannabis Studies Online Certificate.
Spring 2026 Schedule
Cannabis 101 runs from March 2 – April 2, 2026. Students must register by March 10.
Cooking with Cannabis runs from April 2 – May 2, 2026. Students must register by April 10.
Cannabis Studies Courses
Cooking with Cannabis
Cooking with Cannabis will teach you how to prepare a variety of dishes, from delectable drinks to savory appetizers. Learn from cannabis experts and well-known guest chefs.
Class features
- Flexible schedule – No hard deadlines and no set class schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
- One-on-one networking and advisement – Receive a personal advising session with an expert in the Colorado cannabis industry
- Real-world applications – Enhance your resume with in-demand skills
What do I receive after I pass the course?
You will receive a certificate of completion after you successfully complete the three courses included in the Cannabis Studies Certificate program.
You may also request to receive a digital badge for each class that will be embedded with the competencies learned. This badge can be added to your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or even shared with your current or future employer.
Meet your cannabis instructor
Shannon Donnelly, cannabis expert
Shannon Donnelly is an affiliate professor of Cannabis in the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She developed a curriculum and started teaching Cannabis classes and courses like Cannabis 101 at the University in January 2022.
Donnelly is recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Weed by Green Entrepreneurs and a Power Player by Merry Jane. She collaborates with like-minded entrepreneurs to use her 14 years of experience in successful business re-design to create impactful, inclusive, diverse, sustainable, and profitable solutions for the industry.
In 2007, she started her career in Cannabis retail management and has been an influential part of its growth. Donnelly is well known for her hands-on, idea-driven, and insightful approach to business design. As a cannabis specialist, she has worked with executive teams across legalized retail and medical facilities to rebuild operations, cannabis management practices, and training programs in both dispensaries and product manufacturing.
Working across these areas has provided her with a unique perspective of the legal cannabis industry; working with over 20,000 customers and clients has given her an incredible insight into what customers want and need. In addition to consulting work and teaching courses at MSU Denver, she channels her passion into other industry ventures to share the value of botanical product applications. In 2014, she created Health Honeys to make quality CBD products accessible to women and offer them a safe place to experience the natural relief, ease, and restorative properties of botanical ingredients for comprehensive health.
Donnelly received her bachelor’s degree from MSU Denver in land use with a concentration in environment and resources.
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Request more informationQuestions?
Please contact Brandy Schooler at 303-615-1234 or [email protected].
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Email usPhone: 303-615-1234
Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
MSU Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362