Empowering Collaboration
Developing Cooperative Skills

2024 CAN Academy

Whether you’re cooperating with your neighbors, starting a multi-farm co-op, or contributing to the industry-wide initiative to protect the Emerald Triangle from industrial farm consolidation, the CAN Academy provides you with training, resources and mentorship for effective cooperation.

  • February 27: Academy Preview at CRISP

    The worker-owners from the CAN cooperative will preview their 5-week online Academy with snacks, good company, and inspiration for a cooperative cannabis future. All are welcome.

  • March 12: The Cooperative Potential

    With guest speaker George Siemon, Founder of Organic Valley. In this session, you'll explore the cooperative potential, learn how it has been used to empower collaborative initiatives, and start to think about your project.

  • March 19: Formal and Informal Cooperation

    Learn how to share power, co-create and uphold the shared agreements that are the foundation of cooperation.

  • March 26: Facilitated Discussion on Sharing Costs & Resources

    We’ve all been to a bad meeting or two. Effective cooperative decision-making is an art form. In this hands-on session, we practice meeting facilitation and participation as we discuss how co-ops can reduce costs and increase market presence with guest speaker Emma Karnes who works with cannabis co-ops in Rhode Island, NY

  • April 2: Cooperation for Environmental BMPs

    Using CAN's fresh research on cooperation for environmental BMPs, practice your new skills in a think-tank session with guest speaker Michael Polson, UC Berkeley Cannabis Research Center.

  • April 9: Next steps and a party!

    Come in person at CRISP Lounge for the final session to network and set up your next steps. With special guest Dominic Corva, Director of Cannabis Studies Program at Cal-Poly Humboldt.