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reserve your ad hereThe cannabis world is built on hustle, heart, and a whole lot of persistence. For the folks who feel called to work with the plant, whether through cultivation and manufacturing, research and development, advocacy or other compelling reasons, the work often starts long before any paycheck. It’s a passion that takes root deep, and it’s not always easy to find the tools or guidance to turn that passion into a career.
That’s exactly what the inaugural Higher Potential Cannabis Scholarship aims to change.
Created by DaySavers, the consumer brand branch of Custom Cones USA, and supported by the Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition, a growing collective of industry leaders, the scholarship initiative is offering more than 100 individual award opportunities from mentorships to course enrollments and event passes to educational resources, with a combined value of more than $25,000.
For students, current cannabis professionals, and those looking to make their mark in the space, it’s not often the chance to tap into real support and connect directly with some of the most experienced names in the business presents itself. This is the reason we launched this initiative: to connect dreamers with resources that support their goals in cannabis.
The application process is refreshingly straightforward and manageable. After selecting the scholarship or opportunity they’re most interested in, applicants submit a short personal essay of 500 words or less that outlines their background, their relationship to cannabis, what they’re working toward, and why this opportunity matters to them.
The best part? There’s no complicated barrier to entry. Whether you’re currently enrolled in school or professional development programs, working in the industry already, or are exploring how you want to get involved, the Higher Potential Scholarship was designed to be accessible. You don’t need a perfect GPA or a long résumé of experience, just a clear drive and passion for the plant.
One standout applicant will receive the Grand Prize, a $1,420 cash award from DaySavers, plus the opportunity of their choice from the pool of Coalition awards. All other awards will be matched individually with applicants who are the best fit for the specific opportunity.
Applications are currently open and will remain so until September 1, 2025, though a few awards have mid-August deadlines due to partner timelines, so it’s worth checking award offering details if you have your eye on something specific.
A Coalition Built by the Industry, for the Industry
The Higher Potential Scholarship isn’t just a one-brand show, it’s a collective of cannabis professionals, educators, and operators who came together to create tangible pathways into the industry for those who might not have them otherwise.
The list of contributors is vast and touches many areas of the industry, from event organizers and media outlets to training academies and C-suite mentors. Each partner has donated an opportunity that reflects their corner of the industry, whether that’s advanced manufacturing, tourism, science, or education.
Coalition partners and award opportunities include:
- DaySavers – $1,420 cash grand prize + 1 opportunity award
- Ganjier – 3 tuition-free Ganjier Product Specialist seats
- SUNY Niagara – 10 cannabis course scholarships + 5 SUNY Cannabis Conf. tickets
- Benzinga – 5 event tickets to 2025 & 2026 shows (21+)
- Marijuana Venture – Tickets to Interchange events + mentorships + media features in publications (21+ for events)
- NECANN – Event tickets to NJ, NY, Boston, MD, VT (21+)
- Cannabis & Tech Today – Offering coming soon!
- Custom Cones USA– 2 mentorships with founders Harrison Bard or Fredrik Rading
- Operator Academy – 25 tuition-free seats + starter toolkits
- The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy – 2 mentorships with Dr. Shields or Dr. Kirk
- Sage Advice – 3 six-month professional memberships
- Smoke Temple – 4 passes to MJBizCon 2025 (21+)
- The Mycelia Group – 2 strategic cannabis entrepreneurship opportunities with founder & CEO Jessica Ferranti
- Fill-a Blunts – 4 pairs of event tickets (NECANN NJ, Champs TX/FL – 21+)
- CannaSexual – 2 sex & cannabis mentorships with Ashley Manta
- Veterinary Cannabis Society – 8 seats to veterinary cannabis course
- Camp Laughing Grass – 2 mentorships in cannabis tourism with Trinity Madison
The opportunities cover an incredibly broad spectrum, but the common thread is access. Every award is designed to help cannabis professionals and students go deeper in their field, gain mentorship, or get their foot in the door in places they might not otherwise have access to.
Built by Dreamers, for Dreamers
What makes this scholarship different is that it wasn’t built by a committee of talking heads in a boardroom, it was born from lived experiences from dreamers and entrepreneurs. DaySavers was founded by two ex-Amazon employees who left their corporate jobs behind to go all-in on pre-roll production. The journey wasn’t easy, but it was driven by aspirations and conviction, and that same spirit runs through the entire Higher Potential Scholarship Coalition.
Take Ganjier, a first-of-its-kind multi-tiered cannabis trade certification created and taught by some of the most respected names in the industry spanning 600+ years of experience. The Ganjier Council contributed over 8,000+ hours of voluntary time to develop coursework that yields educated cannabis ‘sommelier’ that truly understand the nuanced qualities of the cannabis plant
These aren’t just scholarships. They’re opportunities to connect with the people who are shaping the future of the industry.
Calling All Cannabis Fans
At its core, the Higher Potential Scholarship is all about belief in the power of the plant, the value of this industry, and the people who are putting in the work to build something meaningful. It’s about removing barriers, building bridges, and providing the kinds of resources that can make a difference.
If you’re passionate about cannabis and you’re looking for a way in, or a way forward, this is your sign to go for it!
Applications are now open. View all the opportunities and apply at: https://daysavers.com/higher-potential-scholarship/
Photo credit: Jae Ahn – Creative Director, DaySavers
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