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Cannabis studies students from Hudson County Community College can now seamlessly transfer to Stockton University‘s bachelor of science in the hemp and cannabis business management program.

The new articulation agreement signed April 30 between the schools builds on an existing arrangement that lets HCCC students transfer to Stockton’s School of Business if they are pursuing an associate’s degree in business administration with the cannabis studies option, according to a press release.

Stockton Provost and Academic Affairs Vice President Michael Palladino said the university is proud to expand its partnership with HCCC “to create a clear, affordable pathway into one of today’s fastest growing industries.”

“This agreement not only streamlines the transfer process, but also ensures students are well-prepared with the specialized business knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the evolving hemp and cannabis marketplace in New Jersey. Together, we are opening doors to meaningful career opportunities while meeting the workforce demands of this dynamic sector,” he said.

Outgoing HCCC President Christopher Reber noted, “This program-to-program agreement saves students time and tuition costs by eliminating duplication and repetition of courses, so students can earn their degrees in a seamless and more timely manner.”

“The agreement includes conditional dual admission to Stockton for HCCC students in the first year of their studies. In addition, students will benefit from joint advising and special programs,” Reber went on.

A budding workforce

The partnership comes two years after Galloway-based Stockton became the first higher education institution in the state to offer an undergraduate degree in cannabis studies. Stockton launched the offering in an effort to prepare students to join the emerging legalized industry.

Since New Jersey launched legalized adult-use sales in April 2022, the state has seen more than 270 dispensaries open. Total sales grew from $1.08 billion in 2024 to $1.2 billion in 2025, a 7% increase, according to the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission.

A recently released report from cannabis industry recruiting and staffing platform Vangst found that New Jersey has one of the fastest-growing job markets in the sector.