College of Innovation and Solutions
CANNABIS BUSINESS
Fast tracking graduates for a wide range of careers both in, and adjacent to, this progressive new industry
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The baccalaureate of science in cannabis business is designed for future managers, supervisors, and business development leaders within a commercial enterprise. The program tailors the basics of business management principles to specific cannabis business functions and operations.
The unique issues related to state, federal, provincial, and international laws are evaluated and analyzed in order to plan, develop, and operate a cannabis business within legal constraints. These courses, along with the common professional business core courses, provide students with the knowledge, training, and practical experience required to become successful business managers and operators.
Students are encouraged, but not required, to take elective courses in the associate program in Cannabis Chemistry in order to augment their skills in safety and testing.

PROGRAM GOALS
Graduates will be able to…
- Think critically and analytically about the legalization of cannabis and its effects on employment, policy, and the economy
- Prepare a business canvas, pitch deck, and marketing plan for startup cannabis businesses
- Explain, analyze, and compare and contrast state, federal, provincial and international laws related to growing, distributing, selling, and marketing cannabis product
Bachelor’s Degree Requirements
B.S. Cannabis Business
Common Professional Core (45 credits minimum)
ACTG 132 Principles of Accounting I (4)
ACTG 133 Principles of Accounting II (4)
BUSN 121 Introduction to Business (3)
BUSN 211 Business Statistics (3)
BUSN 231 Business Communications (3)
BUSN 350 Business Law I (3)
BUSN 403 Business, Government and Society (3)
ECON 201 Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 202 Principles of Microeconomics (3)
FINC 341 Managerial Finance (4)
MGMT 280 Introduction to Management Information Systems (3)
MGMT 360 Management Concepts and Applications (3)
MGMT 371 Operations and Business Analytics (3)
MRKT 281 Marketing Principles and Strategy (3)
Major Requirements (47 credits)
BIOL 104 Survey of General Biology (4)
BIOL 235 Introduction to Protected Horticulture (3)
BUSN 101 Freshmen Seminar (1)
BUSN 308 Managing Cultural Differences (3)
CBUS 122 Survey of Cannabis Business (2)
CBUS 203 Cannabis Economics (3)
CBUS 305 Business of Cannabis Cultivation (3)
CBUS 360 Cannabis Law and Policy (1)
CBUS 389 Cannabis Entrepreneurship (3)
CBUS 466 Cannabis Business Policy (3)
MRKT 283 Principles of Selling (3)
MRKT 381 Consumer Behavior (3)
MRKT 383 Digital Marketing (3)
MRKT 384 Social Media Marketing (3)
MRKT 386 Mobile Marketing (3)
MATH 111 College Algebra (3)
SOCY 420 Sociology of Cannabis (3)
Free Electives
General Education (34-36 credits)
Complete the General Education Requirements
A minimum of 124 credits (at the 100 level or higher) must be earned for graduation with a cumulative gpa of 2.50 or higher. A gpa of 2.50 or higher is also required in your Major, and a gpa of 2.00 is required in your General Education Requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there jobs?
Yes! The cannabis industry is set to out-pace both healthcare and technology jobs, with projected growth at 22% annually. Not only will you have a business degree (LSSU business graduates have over 94% job placement), you will also have the education and experience to work in a new and quickly expanding field.
Can I transfer into this program?
Yes!
Do I have to be a Michigan resident to enroll in this program?
No. In fact, LSSU offers in-state tuition to everyone!
Skills Needed in a Highly Regulated Field
LSSU is strategically positioning itself to the forefront of this emerging market, preparing the next generation of cannabis scientists and business leaders.
“Preparing students for tomorrow is our goal, and with a projected annual growth rate of over 28%, and sales reaching $47 billion in the next decade, LSSU Cannabis Business graduates will have the skills and knowledge to take the lead in this emerging industry.”
Average Starting Salary (Vangst 2018 Salary Guide)
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Business Analyst
-
Business Development Director/Manager
- Compliance Manager
- Content Strategy Manager
- Industry Business Consultant
-
Market Research Analyst
-
Marketing Manager
- Mergers and Acquisitions Director
- Operations Analyst
- Process and Compliance Manager
- Social Media Manager/Coordinator
WHY NOW?
- With the legalization of cannabis in both Canada and Michigan, there is a growing need for business leaders who have a firm understanding of the laws and policies inherent in this industry.
- Legal cannabis spending could surpass $1.3 billion in 2022 and employ almost 28,000 people in Michigan.
- Michigan has the potential of becoming the third largest state cannabis industry by 2020.
- The industry could grow from $9.2 billion to $47.3 billion in North America over the next decade.
- In Canada, they are estimating at least 1,700 open positions, and as many as 125,000 jobs.
WHY LSSU?
Our Business programs have a proven record of preparing graduates for meaningful employment (94% job placement). The core courses in this program provide that same core foundation in business. This degree in Cannabis Business will focus on the differences between standard business practices and the additional requirements of cannabis enterprises.
Executive Director of Marketing and Communications and Web Accessibility Coordinator
Peter Szatmary
906-635-2310
R. W. Considine Hall
Director of Library/Academic Services and Web Accessibility Coordinator
Marc Boucher
906-635-2404
Library 208
Accessibility Services Coordinator
Megan Norman
906-635-2355
Library 233
Accessibility Statement
Lake Superior State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations related to its facilities, programs, or services for qualifying students, staff, faculty, and campus guests with disabilities as required by applicable laws. If any programming or activity is scheduled in an inaccessible space, requests for relocation shall be made to the Human Resources office at 906-635-2213, if possible, 48 hrs prior to the event. View Accessibility Statement Details