Cannabis Law and PolicyCornell Certificate Program

The legal landscape of high-THC cannabis production, agriculture, and investment is continually evolving. The intersection of rapidly changing legislation and the expanding cannabis industry requires a comprehensive understanding of federal legislation, providing a foundation for informed decision making, responsible practices, and strategic investments.

In this course, you will review federal regulation and how it affects the various cannabis industry roles, including how each role may come with its own set of federal rules and regulations. You’ll explore the relationship between state and federal laws as well as how federal and state laws can sometimes conflict with each other. You’ll also be introduced to the concept of federal decriminalization and what federal decriminalization of high-THC cannabis could mean for those in the industry.
Upon completion of this course, you will be better equipped to discern the different aspects of federal law that impact various sectors of the cannabis industry.

New York legalized high-THC cannabis for medical use in 2016, decriminalized possession in 2019, and, in 2021, became the 15th state to legalize high-THC cannabis for adult recreational use. How did New York get to this point, and what does the future of NYS regulation look like?

In this course, you will explore the varying regulatory structures for medical, recreational, and industrial cannabis use in New York. You’ll examine the current landscape of New York State laws, look at the intersection of state law and municipal law, and consider what might change in the near future.

Whether you are a cultivator, producer, grower, or investor in the cannabis industry, upon completion of this course, you will understand how to navigate the evolving regulatory framework that applies to your role in the market. This knowledge will help you ensure compliance while adapting to ongoing changes in legislation.

Every business structure has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and that holds true in the cannabis industry. When operating in a developing market, it is especially important to understand the nuances of various business entities and discover the perfect framework tailored to your unique venture.

In this course, you will explore options for structuring your New York State cannabis industry business and gain insights to empower your decision making. You’ll examine how to identify the best business entity for you, whether you are cultivating cannabis or processing it, or you are a retail seller or an investor. You’ll also consider how to set up a flexible entity that not only survives but thrives in the face of long-term shifts.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to make informed decisions about structuring your New York cannabis business to endure, adapt, and succeed moving forward.

Navigating the complexities of taxes can be challenging in any line of business, especially given the unique intricacies of individual tax situations. When discussing taxation in relation to the cannabis industry, taxes can appear even more daunting if you don’t know the right questions to ask.

This course is designed to empower you with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently tackle tax-related challenges within the evolving cannabis industry. You will explore key topics of the tax landscape and the public policies they inform as well as state and municipal tax responsibilities. You’ll also examine the tax cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 then continue with an in-depth look at the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) along with the proposed effects that CAOA will have on federal regulation.

Upon completion of this course, you will not only have a solid understanding of these complex tax matters but also be able to identify resources that will aid you in making well-informed tax decisions.

As societies and medical paradigms evolve, so does the approach to healthcare and therapeutic interventions. Medical cannabis has proven to be a pivotal development in the healthcare industry, and it operates under a separate legal framework.

In this course, you will examine the historical context in which medical cannabis legalization has unfolded along with the potential shifts in its regulatory framework. You’ll explore comparative analyses of New York State’s regulations and draw parallels with other states that have embraced the legalization of medical cannabis.

Upon completion of this course, you will have a better understanding of the evolving legal landscape surrounding medical cannabis and be better equipped to make informed predictions on the impact that legalization will have on adult-use cannabis.

In today’s dynamic world, individuals engaged in the cannabis sector bear the responsibility of staying informed about the constant changes to laws and policies. To navigate this evolving legal landscape, it’s crucial to understand how change happens as well as how to stay informed and updated.

In this course, you will explore recent law and policy changes and look at how to stay apprised of changes going forward. You’ll also discover how historical shifts have shaped the current regulatory framework and gain insights into emerging trends that will influence the future of the industry. From addressing issues like the illicit cannabis market to tackling safety and health concerns, you’ll examine the pressing challenges facing policymakers today.

Upon completion of this course, you will possess the tools and strategies necessary to stay informed and updated on evolving laws and policies.