The initial deposit to take classes at the school is also being scaled back, from $700 to $420, in celebration of the number that bears symbolic meaning for marijuana users. The usual total cost of the program is $2,000.

From now until April 20 — or 4/20 — any new students who enroll at the Northeastern Institute of Cannabis will not only qualify for a $420 scholarship, they will also be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a full ride at the marijuana-centric learning center.

A marijuana institute in Natick is trying to attract a new crop of students by offering them scholarship funds to cover a portion of their tuition fees.


"We hope that enthusiasts will choose to come to the Northeastern Institute of Cannabis and learn more about the plant and the science behind it — this makes it a little easier to enroll," said Cara Crabb-Burnham, the school's administrator.

The significance of the term "4/20" can be traced back to a group of students who smoked pot together in California in the 1970s. Crabb-Burnahm said since then, the 4/20 following has become more of a symbol of "camaraderie of fighting the war" on marijuana.

In Boston, on April 20, marijuana activists gather on the Common to smoke and advocate for the legalization of the leafy drug. People also commonly light up when the clock strikes 4:20 p.m. on any given day.

It's become a "time to smoke cannabis in celebration of cannabis," said Crabb-Burnham.

The Northeastern Institute of Cannabis, a two-classroom school located in an office park in the suburbs, prepares students for careers as medical marijuana dispensary workers and medical marijuana educators.

During their studies, students learn about cannabis law in New England, cultivation, and even the science behind the growing process.

The school opened up in anticipation of the burgeoning marijuana industry.

Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question in 2012 to legalize the use of medical marijuana. The first dispensaries to sell the drug have yet to open their doors.


Close to 200 people have enrolled at the institute since it started offering classes last year, and over 30 have graduated from the program so far.

The 12-course program — each course is four hours long — is capped off by a competency exam at the end.

Students only learn about the aspects of the marijuana industry during their studies, and don't actually work with the plants on campus.

The school also runs extracurricular programs, beyond their classes, including support groups and trips to off-campus conventions.

"It's been great since we opened. It's just such an active community here," Crabb-Burnham said.

Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.