OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – March 20, 2025 – Oaksterdam University, the pioneering institution for cannabis education, and Sapphire Risk Advisory Group, a leading cannabis security consultancy, today announced a strategic partnership to launch Security for Dispensary Workers, a comprehensive online training program. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the industry, combining the expertise of two recognized national leaders to provide unparalleled security education.
Launching on March 31, 2025, the new online training program was developed by the subject matter experts at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group and is hosted on Oaksterdam University’s new and improved interactive education platform. This innovative program offers a specialized curriculum designed to address the unique security challenges faced by cannabis businesses nationwide. Oaksterdam University’s established reputation for quality training in cultivation, extraction, manufacturing, and retail combined with Sapphire Risk Advisory Group’s extensive security expertise, ensures a robust and effective learning experience.
The curriculum covers essential topics such as loss prevention, facility security, payment and identification verification, and regulatory compliance. Drawing on Sapphire Risk’s experience in building security programs for over 200 American cannabis businesses, the courses deliver practical, real-world knowledge that empowers cannabis professionals to enhance security and mitigate risks.
“Cannabis businesses are still a significant target for theft and even armed robberies, this course supports businesses to protect human life, first and foremost, and help the business mitigate loss through well-trained staff who can enhance the business’s security,” says Dale Sky Jones, Executive Chancellor of Oaksterdam University.
“This partnership with Oaksterdam University represents a major step forward in our mission to elevate security standards in the cannabis industry,” said Tony Gallo, Managing Partner of Sapphire Risk Advisory Group. “By combining our deep understanding of cannabis security with Oaksterdam’s exceptional educational platform, we are creating a training program that is both comprehensive and accessible. We are proud to be at the forefront of this initiative, providing the industry with the tools and knowledge necessary to ensure safety and compliance.”
The new online training program offers standardized security instruction and the option for customized content tailored to the specific needs of individual brands, operations, or locations. Whether a dispensary is a small boutique or a large-scale operation, this program provides versatile solutions to enhance security measures.
Security for Dispensary Workers can be purchased at https://oakster.info/Sapphire_Security. For more information contact media@oaksterdamuniversity.com.
About Oaksterdam University:
Oaksterdam University is the global leader in cannabis education, providing the highest quality training to entrepreneurs, regulators, academia, and people interested in a career in the cannabis industry. Oaksterdam’s founders, faculty, staff, and subject matter experts established the modern standards and business practices that define today’s cannabis industry and led the movement to relegalize and regulate cannabis. OU’s over 100,000 alumni from 116 countries have become influential advocates, business and legislative leaders, and many of the industry’s “firsts.” OU offers certifications for individual learners seeking careers in the cannabis industry, customizable and state-specific workforce training, and helps entrepreneurs navigate the complex landscape of licensing and compliance. Visit OaksterdamUniversity.com for more information.
About Sapphire Risk Advisory Group:
Sapphire Risk Advisory Group has been the leading cannabis security consultancy firm, providing comprehensive security solutions to cannabis businesses nationwide for over 12 years. With extensive experience in regulatory compliance, risk assessments, and security system design, Sapphire Risk helps clients mitigate risks that ensure the safety, security, and profitability of their operations.
