The cannabis industry’s rapid growth has opened up a wealth of opportunities for students and professionals eager to work in this exciting as well as evolving field. From cultivating expertise in plant science and cannabis business to pioneering cannabis chemistry and advocating for social equity, a variety of scholarships are available to support students pursuing careers in cannabis. 

Explore Happy Valley Genetics’ guide to the top cannabis scholarships for those interested in cannabis science, cannabis cultivation, and more – designed to help you find the financial and professional support needed to launch your cannabis career.

Agricultural Research Institute: NextGen Student Fellowship

The Agricultural Research Institute’s (ARI) NextGen Student Fellowship at Cal Poly Humboldt supports students interested in cannabis genetics. This fellowship offers one of the most substantial investments in research aimed at enhancing cannabis strains and cultivation techniques, with the goal of fostering a new generation of cannabis scientists equipped to drive the industry forward.

Eligibility: Students engaged in cannabis genetics research at California State University

Award: Up to $11,000 – $25,000

Application & Requirements: ARI NextGen Student Fellowship Page

Veriheal’s Innovation in Cannabis Scholarship

Veriheal, a healthcare technology company dedicated to providing personalized cannabis care, has established a $10,000 scholarship for students aiming to innovate within the cannabis industry. The scholarship focuses on advancing cannabis knowledge, research, and applications that make a meaningful difference. This cannabis scholarship can also be applied towards college tuition as well as other academic fees, making it a substantial aid for students looking to push boundaries in cannabis innovation.

Eligibility: Open to students pursuing innovative approaches in the cannabis field

Award: Up to $10,000

Application & Requirements: Veriheal’s Scholarship Page

New York Cannabis Association Scholarship

This scholarship supports students looking to break into the cannabis business, with an emphasis on promoting economic development within New York’s evolving cannabis market. The additional $10,000 in startup capital offered to select graduates is also a substantial boost for any aspiring cannabis entrepreneur, which is specifically geared towards those committed to community-based cannabis businesses.

Eligibility: Students pursuing business or entrepreneurial initiatives in the cannabis industry

Award: $1,000 for 500 winners plus $10,000 in startup capital for 50 graduates

Application & Requirements: New York Cannabis Association Scholarship Page

Medical Cannabis Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship 

Botanical Sciences offers this $5,000 scholarship for students pursuing careers in pharmacy with an interest in medical cannabis. The scholarship also includes a unique opportunity to tour the Botanical Sciences’ medical cannabis operations with a $300 travel stipend, providing students with valuable, firsthand cannabis industry experience.

Eligibility: Pharmacy students interested in medical cannabis

Award: Up to $5,000 plus $300 travel stipend 

Application & Requirements: Medical Cannabis Partners in Pharmacy Scholarship Page

Minnesota Cannabis College BIPOC Training Scholarship

The Minnesota Cannabis College established this fund to create more opportunities for BIPOC individuals in the cannabis industry, particularly for those who are interested in cannabis education and certification. They also offer a Medical Patent Scholarship Fund for individuals with medical needs who wish to gain formal training, ensuring a more inclusive future for the cannabis industry as a whole.

Eligibility: BIPOC students or individuals with medical needs seeking cannabis certification

Award: Up to $2,500

Application & Requirements: MCC BIPOC Training Scholarship Page

Steadfast Labs Cannabis Chemistry Scholarship

This unique scholarship supports students pursuing cannabis chemistry — an essential field that explores the plant’s complex compounds and therapeutic potential. Offered by Steadfast Labs in partnership with Lake Superior State University, the scholarship promotes a structured, scientific approach to understanding cannabis, positioning graduates to excel in cannabis testing as well as cannabis product development.

Eligibility: Cannabis chemistry students at Lake Superior State University

Award: Up to $1,200 

Application & Requirements: Steadfast Labs Cannabis Scholarship Page

Phoenix Cannabis Production Scholarship at Southern Illinois University

Focused on advanced cannabis cultivation methods, this scholarship rewards students who demonstrate a strong commitment to research and innovation within controlled-environment cannabis production. The Phoenix Cannabis Production Scholarship specifically aims to incentivize these students to explore more efficient cultivation practices, while also advancing horticultural technology as a whole. 

Eligibility: Students enrolled in SIU’s Intensive Controlled-Environment Plant and Production Certificate program

Award: Scholarship amount is based on applicant’s essay and program involvement

Application & Requirements: Phoenix Cannabis Production x SIU Scholarship Page

Women’s Canna Awards Scholarship

The Women’s Canna Awards Scholarship aims to empower women in cannabis, supporting their career goals through financial aid, mentorship, and professional development. This scholarship not only helps women access education and training but also connects them with leaders and advocates within the cannabis industry.

Eligibility: Female entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders in cannabis

Award: Financial support, mentorship, and advocacy opportunities available

Application & Requirements: Women’s Canna Awards Scholarship Page

Minority Cannabis Business Association Diversity Scholarship

The Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA) created this scholarship to support minority entrepreneurs in cannabis. Covering costs associated with cannabis industry conferences, this scholarship promotes networking and knowledge-sharing for minorities in cannabis, providing a critical platform for entrepreneurs to learn, connect, and grow.

Eligibility: Minority entrepreneurs and students in the cannabis industry 

Award: Coverage for cannabis conference attendance 

Application & Requirements: MCBA Diversity Scholarship Page

Trichome Institute Cannabis Consultant Training Scholarship

In partnership with the Last Prisoner Project, the Trichome Institute Scholarship provides cannabis consultant training for individuals who have been impacted by cannabis-related incarceration. This initiative aims to help individuals secure meaningful employment in the cannabis industry, as budtenders and dispensary professionals, while also fostering a pathway to long-term professional success as a result.

Eligibility: Individuals affected by cannabis-related incarceration

Award: Free Cannabis Consultant Training

Application & Requirements: Trichome Institute Cannabis Consultant Scholarship Page

NCIA’s Social Equity Scholarship Program

The NCIA Social Equity Scholarship Program provides heavily discounted memberships to the National Cannabis Industry Association, giving social equity members access to valuable advocacy resources, cannabis industry events, and professional networking with up to an 80% discount. This membership allows participants to engage directly in policy reform, while also building connections within the cannabis industry to grow their career.

Eligibility: NCIA Social Equity members

Award: Discounted membership to the National Cannabis Industry Association

Application & Requirements: NCIA Social Equity Scholarship Page