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Ready to find out what MSU Denver can do for you? We’ve got you covered.
Begin your cannabis career with MSU Denver’s Cannabis 101 course
Designed for beginners
Cannabis 101 will give students a robust look into the cannabis industry in Colorado. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge for personal interest, career advancement, or entrepreneurial pursuits, this course provides a well-rounded foundation in cannabis history, regulations, and applications. Explore the evolution of cannabis from a local, national, and global perspective while gaining a deep understanding of the differences between medical and recreational use. From cultivation to distribution, you’ll learn the key legal and regulatory aspects that shape the cannabis industry today.
No prior experience needed
Designed by faculty at MSU Denver, this university-caliber course will expand your knowledge of the cannabis industry in preparation for career advancement, entrepreneurial pursuits, personal education, and more.
Self-paced, flexible online course
Cannabis 101 is online and self-paced, allowing you to balance your personal life while continuing your education.
Course information
This course will give the student an overview of the recreational and medical cannabis industry in Colorado. What goes on in a dispensary, and the various products sold will be explored. Legal aspects of both medical and recreational cultivation, distribution and possession will be covered. Participants will learn of the guidelines for both consumption and sale of cannabis and related products. Cannabis and CBD in the kitchen will be discussed. Industry leaders will be available for specialized lectures.
Cannabis 101 runs September 2 – November 2, 2025. Students must register by September 9. The eight-week course is entirely online and self-paced. You can complete the course anytime within the eight weeks the course is available.
The tuition for this course is $475, with a $35 transaction fee. No textbooks are required.
1) Understand cannabis history from a local, national and international perspective.
2) Recognize and explain the differences in medical and recreational cannabis.
3) Distinguish between various food and cooking applications with a variety of cannabis-related products.
4) Clarify sources and uses of cannabis, CBD and hemp products.
5) Understand the regulatory requirements both within the State and through the FDA that are required for the sale or use of cannabis or CBD products.
6) Explore various legal aspects in cannabis, including cultivation, distribution, sales packaging and possession, and use.
7) Demonstrate proficiency in understanding intoxication components and the legal impact on cannabis tourists and out of start employment contracts.
You may request to receive a digital badge for that will be embedded with the competencies learned. This badge can be added to your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or even share it with your current or future employer.
Meet your Cannabis 101 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 curriculum and started teaching Cannabis classes 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. She has worked with executive teams across legalized retail and medical facilities to re-build operations, 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, 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 at MSU Denver in land use with a concentration in environment and resources.
