Cannabis Advocacy Certificate

Welcome to NORML’s Cannabis Advocacy Certificate Program, powered by Green Flower.

This program discusses how to shape public opinion while advocating for the legal, safe, and responsible use of marijuana.

There are ten required modules and a final exam that you will be expected to successfully pass in order to receive your Cannabis Advocacy Certificate.

In this course we will discuss the importance of cannabis advocacy and why it is needed in business, industry, and education. Learners will explore the social stigmas that surround cannabis and the resulting implications of those socially held beliefs. Finally, we will introduce you to an organization called NORML, and through the study of their history and origin, we will gain insight on the contributions that directly impacted advocacy within the cannabis industry.

In this course we will provide an overview of some key concepts surrounding cannabis advocacy. We will then review the current landscape in cannabis advocacy discussing momentum and progress and what efforts went into those victories. Finally, we will discuss who should take an interest in this type of work and how they can become involved.

In this course we will assess voters’ sentiment and highlight various factors that have successfully influenced public opinion in favor of cannabis policy reform. Then, we will review the present legal status of cannabis in the United States and examine current political trends at the state and federal level. Finally, we will look to the future and address the prospects for future reforms at the federal level.

In this course we discuss the importance of relationship building and messaging. After which there will be an overview of organization and goal setting and what it takes to achieve objectives. Finally, we will explore the various elements of fundraising and volunteering as an important component to success.

In this course we will go over the various ways to get involved in cannabis advocacy and meeting elected officials in your state. Next we will discuss the importance of knowing the political landscape. Finally, we will review legislative research: identifying a problem & path forward, limitations in your community and what the current laws are and what needs to be changed.

This course will break down and explain the steps involved in messaging and framing and why they are important. Next, we will highlight the importance of clarifying for the voters why they should support a specific issue. Finally, we will discuss a Virginia case study to assist in crystallizing some of the main components that we have discussed thus far.

In this course, we’ll discuss the proven methods and strategies to successfully deliver your message to the mainstream media. We will actively explore a range of media related topics, including responding to reporters, drafting press releases, placing op-eds, and organizing press conferences.

This course will give a brief overview on lobbying. Then, we will discuss the importance of voter engagement. Finally, we will review an example of lawmaker & voter engagement in the form of an Illinois case study.

This course will provide an overview on after action strategies following the passage of statewide reform legislation. We will address opportunities for instituting broader cultural reforms, such as addressing workplace discrimination and providing relief for those with past criminal records. Finally, we will provide examples of jurisdictions where advocates have successfully pushed for and implemented additional legislative gains post-legalization.

The Cannabis Advocacy Certificate final exam contains 30 multiple-choice questions, and learners will be required to achieve a final score of 80% to pass the program and receive their certificate.

Learners receive two attempts to successfully complete the final exam.