NJBAC Completes CTA Program

Image | adobe.stock/freshidea

In a recent press release, the New Jersey Department of State’s New Jersey Business Action Center (NJBAC) completed the Cannabis Training Academy’s (CTA) “core curriculum with the launch of CTA’s level 10 courses and certificate of completion,” (1). Supported by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, the CTA is no-cost technical assistance program (1). It was formed to provide information on the cannabis industry within the state for potential business and local entrepreneurs. Additionally, the CTA offers training on the process required to obtaining a cannabis business license (1).

The program is formatted online, and students are able to complete courses on their own time and pace. It consists of added materials that cover new laws and regulations, live Q&A sessions, and webinars. Some of the course topics offered are business planning municipal approval, application requirements, license conversion, standard operating procedures, zoning, and insurance (1). Once 60+ courses are finished, students obtain an official CTA certification. With the certificate, it can be included with their New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) cannabis license application to meet the proof of having previous business experience.

“To see this program fully completed in roughly six months after its launch is an incredible accomplishment. It’s also a testament to the State’s ongoing support and commitment to ensure that this vital resource is accessible to both prospective entrepreneurs and cannabis operators who are looking to level up their knowledge to acquire other additional licenses, or train their staff on the deeper nuances of business management and license operations. There is nothing like this program anywhere else in the country,” said NJBAC’s Executive Director Melanie Willoughby (1).

The CTA program first began in October 2024 and more than 1,300 students have been registered with over 20 hours of supplemental video content created (1).

“This is a historic moment for New Jersey, as we wrap up the largest, most comprehensive, cannabis technical assistance program in the country. The CTA is enhanced by industry experts, supported by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and accessible to all New Jersey residents ages 21+ who can access our program online 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year through their phones, tablets or computers,” mentioned Tauhid Chappell, Executive Director of the CTA (1).

“The Cannabis Training Academy has already done a phenomenal job helping to prepare new entrepreneurs and workers to enter and thrive in New Jersey’s cannabis market. Having knowledgeable operators and well-trained staff not only makes for efficient businesses, but also for safer consumers,” expressed Vice Chairman Sam Delgado of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC) (1).

“The CTA does more than just teach cannabis entrepreneurs what they need to know to complete a licensing application. It is giving them the power to understand the licensing process, which according to survey responses from our CTA instructors would typically cost tens of thousands of dollars in outside consulting fees just to have the process explained. They are learning it for themselves, step-by-step, to make informed decisions and move forward in their business,” Penni Wild, Deputy Executive Director at NJBAC, commented (1).

Reference

1. NJBAC’s Cannabis Training Academy Celebrates Finalization of Core Curriculum and Certificate of Completion https://nj.gov/state/press-2025-0529a.shtml (accessed Jun 17, 2025).