Minority Cannabis Academy Announces Cohort 5: Becoming the Gold Standard for Cannabis Education

Regional Cannabis NewsNew JerseyCannabis 101

Mar 23

As the legal cannabis markets in New Jersey and New York reach a critical turning point, the Minority Cannabis Academy (MCA) is officially announcing the launch of Cohort 5. With applications set to go live on March 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., MCA continues its mission to transform the lives of disenfranchised individuals by providing high-level vocational training and direct career pathways.

MCA is becoming the gold standard for cannabis education and social equity, specifically focusing on those most harmed by the "War on Drugs." This 8-week intensive program, running from May 11th to June 29th, is designed to move students into sustainable, high-impact careers through technical mastery and elite networking opportunities.

A Proven Track Record of Success

Now entering its fifth cohort, MCA has established itself as a powerful engine for workforce development. To date, the Academy has graduated over 150 students into the industry and maintains a staggering 92% enrollment rate, highlighting the massive demand for accessible, high-quality cannabis education in the Tri-State area.

The Visionaries Behind the Mission

Founded by Brendon Robinson and Stanley Okoro, MCA was born from a need for true representation in a billion-dollar industry. This year, the Academy’s mission is further strengthened by a premier partnership with Jersey Smooth, who will serve as the official sponsor for Cohort 5. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to excellence and community uplift, providing the resources necessary to scale MCA’s impact.

Robinson and Okoro remain dedicated to social reinvestment, ensuring that advocacy translates into tangible action. By partnering with industry leaders like Jersey Smooth, the founders continue to build robust classroom-to-career pipelines that empower students across New Jersey and New York to lead the next generation of the cannabis workforce.

Cohort 5: Specialized Training & Career Pipelines

For the 2026 term, MCA is offering Its core disciplines tailored to the technical and operational needs of the current Tri-State market:

Highlighted by our Entrepreneurship Program: The "business of the plant," covering licensing, logistics, and leadership.

“A just cannabis industry cannot exist if it continues to exclude those most harmed by the War on Drugs. The Minority Cannabis Academy exists to empower marginalized communities, break down barriers, and ensure equity is at the heart of this growing industry.” — Brendon Robinson, Co-Founder & President.

Institutional Power & Strategic Partnerships

MCA provides students with unmatched access to the industry's largest players, ensuring a "Day 1" readiness that is unique in the vocational space. Partnerships include:

Academic Excellence: Collaborating with Rutgers University for rigorous curriculum standards.
Industry Leaders: Working alongside Jersey Smooth, AYR Wellness, Ascend Cannabis, and Cannabist to facilitate direct recruitment, guest lectures, and hands-on facility exposure.