As more states attempt to legalize marijuana, a growing number of colleges are adding cannabis to the curriculum to prep graduates for careers in cultivating, researching, analyzing, and marketing of the plant.
What We Know:
- In a press release, The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy announced a new Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics arriving to the school this fall. This will be the first university in America to offer a graduate degree in medical cannabis, according to Forbes. The application deadline for this program is August 15 for classes beginning on August 26.
- Their two-year program will mix online learning with face-to-face experiences and is designed for an individual who has completed their undergraduate degree and is interested in pursuing a career in the medical cannabis industry. The program will cover “areas of basic science, clinical use, adverse effects and public health, and federal and state laws and policies surrounding medical cannabis.”
- “Medical cannabis has been legalized in 33 states, including Maryland, as well as in Washington, D.C., Guam, and Puerto Rico,” said Natalie Eddington, dean of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy in the press release. “This number is only expected to increase in the future, fueling a demand for an educated workforce that is well-trained in both the science and therapeutic effects associated with this medicinal plant.”
- CNBC Make It reported that Northern Michigan University in Marquette offers a four-year degree in medicinal plant chemistry. According to the program’s description, it will “prepare students for success in the emerging industries relating to medicinal plant production, analysis, and distribution.”
- While this may seem cool to some people, it is worth mentioning that these schools are monetizing and teaching classes on something that has led to minorities being disproportionately locked up. Despite roughly equal usage rates, African Americans are 3.73 times more likely than whites to be arrested for marijuana, according to the American Civil Liberties Union report.
Does this mean those in prison for having small amounts of marijuana will be released? ‘Weed’ hope so.
