As interest in cannabis education rises, traditional colleges across the United States are asking a crucial question: Can they teach cannabis without jeopardizing federal funding? The answer, according to a growing number of legal experts and education leaders, is yes—so long as programs are designed carefully, grounded in science, and avoid directly facilitating federally illegal activities.

At the heart of the issue is the intersection of federal cannabis prohibition and the Higher Education Act, which governs student aid, research funding, and accreditation standards. Because cannabis remains a Schedule I substance under federal law, institutions that directly support cultivation, distribution, or consumption risk violating federal guidelines. However, colleges have significant room to offer academic coursework, workforce training, and industry-aligned programs that stay on the right side of compliance.

Many educators point to the success of programs such as Northern Michigan University’s Medicinal Plant Chemistry degree, Lake Superior State University’s Cannabis Business program, and the University of Denver’s Cannabis Science and Medicine certificate as proof that cannabis education is not only permissible but increasingly mainstream. These institutions have received no federal penalties, strengthening the case that colleges can teach cannabis as long as the curriculum focuses on theory, science, public policy, medicine, and business rather than hands-on cultivation involving federally controlled plants.

Federal guidelines allow schools to teach about controlled substances in academic, historical, scientific, and policy contexts. This means colleges can explore cannabis chemistry, cultivation theory, compliance, entrepreneurship, wellness applications, and regulatory frameworks without crossing legal boundaries. What they cannot do is bring actual THC-producing plants onto campus or allow students to handle or consume cannabis as part of coursework.

To operate safely, education experts emphasize several strategies. First, colleges must adopt strict compliance frameworks, ensuring that all instruction is non-participatory and rooted in evidence-based learning. Second, partnerships with local dispensaries, labs, or cannabis companies must be structured carefully—often taking the form of internships, observational learning, or guest lectures rather than federally restricted activities. Third, institutions should maintain transparent documentation outlining how programs align with state law while remaining compliant with federal restrictions.

One promising development is the rise of grant-funded cannabis research tied to public health, agriculture, hemp genetics, and economic analysis. While grants involving marijuana specifically remain limited, research on hemp—now federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill—has opened doors for agriculture programs to explore cultivation techniques legally. This shift has encouraged more colleges to invest in cannabis-related coursework without fear of repercussions.

Ultimately, traditional colleges can teach cannabis—effectively, responsibly, and without losing funding—when programs prioritize education over direct plant handling. As more states legalize cannabis and industry demand for knowledgeable professionals grows, higher education institutions are finding ways to meet workforce needs while staying compliant. For students seeking credible pathways into the cannabis field, this expansion signals a future where cannabis education is not fringe but foundational.

Learn More: From Lab to Dispensary: Popular Cannabis Degrees Students Can Earn Today