Professional Development Track
Cannabis Academy
Seed-to-shelf education for growers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Accredited workshops, live demonstrations, and career-focused sessions — all in one immersive day.
Cannabis Academy is the industry hub of Higher Learning Roots. Whether you're a home grower, a dispensary manager, or exploring a new career, our faculty brings real-world expertise. Sessions include hands-on labs, business panels, and regulatory deep dives.
Learning Pathways
Four core tracks
Mix and match sessions across cultivation, extraction, compliance, and business. Each attendee can earn a digital badge by completing three sessions.
Cultivation Science
Soil biology, hydroponics, lighting strategies, integrated pest management, and genetics — from clone to harvest.
Beginner to advanced
Extraction & Chemistry
Solventless and solvent-based extraction, distillation, chromatography, and safety protocols.
Intermediate / lab focus
Compliance & Quality
State regulations, METRC tracking, GMP standards, labeling, and recall preparedness.
Managers / operators
Business Leadership
Branding, fundraising, social equity licensing, retail strategy, and team management.
Entrepreneurs
Full Programme
Cannabis Academy Schedule
July 25th, 2026 · All Central Time · Sessions held in the Academy Pavilion (tented classroom).
🌱 Opening Keynote: The Future of Regenerative Cannabis Farming
Dr. Maya Okonkwo, Agronomist & Soil Scientist
How cannabis cultivation can restore topsoil, sequester carbon, and support biodiversity. Real-world data from living soil farms. Q&A to follow.
All tracksKeynote
🧪 Solventless Extraction 101: Rosin & Ice Water Hash
Extraction Specialist Carlos Mendez
Live demonstration of washing, pressing, and curing solventless concentrates. Learn about micron bags, freeze dryers, and yields.
ExtractionHands-on demo
📊 METRC & State Compliance Deep Dive (IL/CA/NY Focus)
Regulatory Consultant Janelle Cross
How to avoid common compliance violations: inventory reconciliation, packaging & labeling rules, and preparing for an inspection.
ComplianceIntermediate
💡 From Seed to Sale: Building a Vertical Brand
Founder Kwame Asare (Heritage Roots)
Case study on launching a vertically integrated craft brand: cultivation, processing, distribution, and retail — lessons learned and mistakes to avoid.
BusinessEntrepreneurship
🥗 Networking Lunch (provided) & Industry Roundtables
Open seating | Topics: Social Equity, Retail Tech, Craft Certification
Connect with peers, recruiters, and faculty. Lunch included with Academy ticket upgrade. Roundtable discussions facilitated.
Networking
🔬 Integrated Pest Management for Organic Grows
Cultivation Director, Jasmine Liu
Biological controls, companion planting, and early detection. Learn to manage spider mites, powdery mildew, and aphids without synthetic pesticides.
CultivationAdvanced
⚖️ Social Equity Licensing: How to Apply & Fund Your Business
Attorney Fatima Banks, Esq.
Breakdown of social equity programs in IL, NY, NJ, CA. Application strategies, fee waivers, technical assistance, and finding investors.
BusinessLegal
💊 Cannabinoid & Terpene Chemistry for Product Formulators
Chemist Dr. Elena Vasquez
Understanding degradation, isomerization, and stability testing. How to formulate tinctures, topicals, and edibles with predictable dosing.
ExtractionScience
📈 Panel: Raising Capital in a Down Market
Investors: GreenLeaf Ventures, Herban Equity, and Canna Angels
Real talk about valuing your business, pitch decks, term sheets, and navigating the 280E tax burden. Audience Q&A.
BusinessInvesting
🏆 Cannabis Academy Closing & Certificate Ceremony
Faculty & Dean of Higher Learning Roots
Recognition of attendees who completed three or more sessions. Digital badge distribution. Final networking mixer.
All
Meet the Educators
Industry leaders & master practitioners
Our faculty are active professionals — cultivators, chemists, attorneys, and brand founders — bringing field-tested knowledge.
Dr. Maya Okonkwo
Regenerative Agronomist
20 years soil science, former lead at Sun Grown Organics. Advises multi-state farms on no-till methods.
Carlos Mendez
Extraction Specialist
Founder of Solventless Society, educator on rosin tech and solvent-free safety protocols.
Fatima Banks, Esq.
Cannabis Attorney
Social equity licensing expert, led over 30 successful dispensary applications.
Kwame Asare
Brand Founder
CEO of Heritage Roots, a vertically integrated craft brand with three retail locations.
Earn a Digital Badge
Attend any three Cannabis Academy sessions and receive a shareable certificate in cannabis industry fundamentals. Badge includes verified attendance and session topics.
Academy Upgrade includes lunch, reserved seating, and digital badge. General festival admission required separately.