Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before enrolling

About the Program Enrollment & Logistics Pricing & Payment Grants Certification For Teams Technical

About the Program

How is Cannabis Sommelier different from CannSell?

CannSell is a government-mandated awareness program focused on compliance and avoiding harm. Cannabis Sommelier is a premium retail education program focused on sales excellence, product expertise, and customer outcomes. Cannabis Sommelier uses the HIGH-END Framework™ and Chemovar Outcome Logic™ to teach consultative selling, not just compliance. Think of CannSell as mandatory safety training, and Cannabis Sommelier as your competitive advantage.

Who is this program designed for?

Cannabis Sommelier is designed for:

Budtenders starting their career or looking to advance
Store managers who want to uplevel their team
Retailers training multiple locations for consistency
People transitioning from other industries into cannabis retail
Anyone seeking a recognized credential in the cannabis space

Whether you're an individual or a team, there's a level designed for you.

Is the certification recognized by employers?

Yes. Cannabis Sommelier™ is recognized across Canada's cannabis retail sector. Employers value it because it signals product expertise and customer-focused sales training—not just legal compliance. Many employers specifically ask for Cannabis Sommelier certification when hiring or promoting. The credential also gives you credibility when talking to customers about cannabis science and outcomes.

What makes the HIGH-END Framework™ different from other sales training?

The HIGH-END Framework™ is built specifically for cannabis consultation. Instead of generic sales techniques, it teaches the science of customer outcomes: How do different cannabis profiles affect different people? What are the right questions to ask? How do you match customer needs to specific strains and products? It's outcome-based selling, not product-based selling.

How is Chemovar Outcome Logic used in the curriculum?

Chemovar Outcome Logic™ teaches you to recommend cannabis based on cannabinoid and terpene profiles—not just strain names. You learn how THC:CBD ratios, terpene profiles, and consumption methods affect outcomes like pain relief, sleep, focus, or socializing. This science-based approach builds customer confidence and leads to higher-value recommendations and repeat business.

Is this Cannabis Act compliant?

Yes. Cannabis Sommelier Certification is designed as information-based education that complies with the Cannabis Act. We don't teach product claims or health claims—we teach cannabis science and how to match products to customer outcomes. All content is reviewed for compliance with federal and provincial cannabis regulations.

How often is the curriculum updated?

The curriculum is updated quarterly to reflect new cannabis science, products, and market trends. Once you graduate, you retain lifetime access to the LMS, including all updates. You'll always have access to the latest information without needing to re-certify.

Who teaches the program?

Cannabis Sommelier is taught by cannabis industry professionals with 10+ years of retail experience. Instructors include store managers, brand educators, and cannabis consultants who actively work in the industry. All instructors are vetted for expertise and teaching ability. For Level 2 and Level 3, you'll have direct access to live instructors during Zoom sessions and in-person intensives.

Enrollment & Logistics

When can I start?

Level 1 (Foundation) can be started immediately after enrollment. You can begin within 24 hours of registration. Level 2 and Level 3 start on scheduled cohort dates (typically monthly). You can check available cohorts during enrollment and choose your preferred start date.

How long does Level 1/2/3 take?

Level 1 (Foundation): 10 hours of content, self-paced. Most people complete in 2-3 weeks working part-time.

Level 2 (Professional): 22 hours of content + 8 live Zoom sessions (2 hours each). Typically 6-8 weeks with weekly commitment.

Level 3 (Master): 22 hours online + 3-day in-person intensive. Total 8-10 weeks including travel to in-person session (typically Toronto).

Can I do this while working full-time?

Yes. All levels are designed for working professionals. Level 1 is fully self-paced, so you control the schedule. Level 2 live sessions are scheduled at flexible times (evenings and weekends available). Level 3 requires one 3-day block for the in-person intensive, but the rest is self-paced. Most people balance this alongside full-time work.

What if I miss a live Zoom session?

Level 2 and Level 3 Zoom sessions are recorded. If you can't attend live, you can watch the recording within 48 hours. You'll have access to session materials, Q&A transcripts, and follow-up support. Missing one session won't derail your progress, but we encourage attendance for the accountability and peer connection.

Do I need any prior knowledge?

No. Cannabis Sommelier is designed for complete beginners. We assume no prior cannabis knowledge. If you already have experience, the program deepens your expertise and teaches the science behind what you know instinctively. Everyone progresses at their own pace.

What equipment/materials do I need?

Level 1: Computer or tablet with internet access. No other materials required.

Level 2: Computer + tablet for LMS. Physical tasting kit is mailed to you (includes dried flower samples, consumption devices, guides).

Level 3: Everything in Level 2, plus attendance at a 3-day in-person intensive. You'll arrange your own travel; we'll cover materials and tastings during the session.

What if I need more time to complete?

You have 12 months from enrollment to complete all requirements. If you need more time, contact us before your deadline, and we'll extend your access. Extensions are available on a case-by-case basis. We want you to succeed, not rush.

Pricing & Payment

What are the exact prices?

Level 1 (Foundation): $495 CAD

Level 2 (Professional): $995 CAD per person ($895 for 5+, $845 for 10+)

Level 3 (Master): $2,500 CAD per person ($2,375 for 5+)

All prices in Canadian dollars. Payment plans are available on all levels.

Are there payment plans?

Yes, zero-interest payment plans on all levels:

Level 1: $134 × 4 installments or $170/month × 3
Level 2: $266 × 4 installments or $335/month × 3
Level 3: $650 × 4 installments or $835/month × 3

No interest, no fees. Choose whatever fits your budget.

Do you offer refunds?

We offer a 60-day ATV Improvement Guarantee instead of refunds. If you complete the program and don't see measurable ATV improvement, we provide extended Study Hall coaching at no additional charge. We're confident you'll succeed, so we back it with outcomes, not refunds.

Can I upgrade from Level 1 to Level 2 later?

Yes. If you complete Level 1 within 12 months, you can upgrade to Level 2. We credit your $495 toward the upgrade, so you'd pay approximately $500 more to jump to Level 2. This is great if you want to test the commitment with Level 1 first.

What payment methods do you accept?

All major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), bank transfer, and PayPal. For businesses, we send invoices with NET 30 terms. Contact [email protected] to arrange a business invoice.

Can my employer pay for my training?

Yes. Many employers cover training costs. You can use your employer's benefits, request reimbursement after completion, or have them pay CannaReps directly via invoice. This is common, and we make it easy to coordinate with your HR department.

Grants

What is the Canada Job Grant?

The Canada Job Grant (Employment Training Grant) is a government program that reimburses employers for training costs. Your business can receive 66-100% reimbursement depending on your province. CannaReps handles all the paperwork on your behalf—we apply, submit documentation, and coordinate with provincial programs.

Does my province qualify?

Yes: BC (80%), Alberta (66-100%), Ontario (83%), Atlantic provinces (up to 100%). These provinces have active employment training grant programs that cover retail education. If you're in a different province, contact us—alternative funding may be available.

Do I need to apply before or after enrolling?

BEFORE. You must apply for the grant BEFORE training starts. Grants require advance approval. If you've already paid for training, contact us immediately—some provinces have exceptions for recent completions.

How long does grant approval take?

2-6 weeks depending on your province. BC is fastest (2-4 weeks). Ontario is slower (4-6 weeks). Atlantic provinces vary. We'll give you an accurate timeline once we submit your application.

What if my grant application is denied?

Rare, but we'll work with you to understand why and explore appeals or alternative funding. You're not obligated to proceed with training if your grant falls through. However, most well-qualified businesses are approved on the first submission.

Certification

What does the certification exam look like?

The exam is a hybrid format (online + in-person/video). Level 2 and Level 3 include a practical assessment where you demonstrate consultative selling using the HIGH-END Framework™. You'll also have a written component covering cannabis science and outcomes. The exam is rigorous but fair—you're thoroughly prepared by the end of the program.

What happens if I fail the exam?

We offer one free retake if you don't pass. Before the retake, we provide targeted coaching to address gaps. Most people pass on the second attempt. If you need more help, additional tutoring is available at a nominal cost.

Is the certificate recognized nationally?

Yes. Cannabis Sommelier™ is recognized across Canada. The certificate is valuable across all provinces and is recognized by employers, competitors, and customers. You'll receive a digital badge you can add to LinkedIn, your resume, and professional profiles.

How long does the certificate last?

Your certificate doesn't expire. Once you're certified, you're certified for life. However, we recommend staying current with cannabis science and industry updates, which you can do through our alumni community and continuing education resources.

Can I retake modules after certification?

Yes. You have lifetime access to the LMS (all three levels), so you can review any module, lesson, or video anytime. This is valuable for refreshing knowledge or diving deeper into specific topics.

For Teams

What's the minimum team size for group pricing?

Technically, one person is a team. But discounts apply at 5+. Level 2 at 5+ staff is $895/person (vs. $995). At 10+ staff, it's $845/person. The bigger your team, the deeper the discount. For 15+ staff, contact us for custom pricing.

Can different staff enroll at different levels?

Yes. Some staff might do Level 1 (foundation), while others do Level 2 (full certification with coaching). This is common—budtenders might do Level 2 while managers do Level 1 as a refresher, or vice versa. We customize the team enrollment to your needs.

How do I track my team's progress?

For team enrollments, we provide a manager dashboard where you can see completion status, time spent, quiz scores, and exam readiness for each team member. You get real-time visibility into who's on track and where people might need support.

What if someone quits after we pay for their training?

You've invested in their training, and they'll leave with the certification—that's the risk of employee education. However, most staff who complete the program stay longer and perform better. We've found that businesses see lower turnover after team training. If specific situations arise, contact us to discuss options.

How is B2B On-Site training different from the standard program?

B2B On-Site is delivered at your location during business hours by CannaReps instructors. You don't need staff to log into a platform—we come to you and deliver the training in-person, tailored to your store environment. This is ideal for multi-location retailers or stores with limited tech access. On-Site pricing starts at $1,495/person.

Can we do a custom curriculum for our store?

For on-site training with 10+ staff, custom curriculum is available. We can emphasize specific products, brand partners, or selling techniques unique to your retail model. Contact [email protected] to discuss custom curriculum options and pricing.

Technical

What LMS platform do you use?

We use a proprietary learning management system (LMS) built specifically for cannabis education. It's cloud-based, meaning you access it from any device with an internet connection. The interface is intuitive, even for people who aren't tech-savvy.

Is the content mobile-friendly?

Yes. All content is responsive and mobile-optimized. You can start a lesson on your laptop and finish it on your phone. Videos, quizzes, and interactive components all work across devices.

What happens to my access after I finish?

Lifetime access. After you complete the program and pass the exam, you retain full access to all course materials forever. All three levels are accessible, so you can review modules, watch videos, and study at your own pace indefinitely.

Is there a mobile app?

Not yet, but the LMS is fully mobile-responsive. You can access everything on your smartphone through a web browser. A dedicated app is in development and will be available to all current users at no additional cost.