This probably isn’t the first (and it won’t be the last) time you hear that the cannabis industry is growing, and growing fast. CBD sales in the U.S. hit $4.6 billion in 2020, and is projected to hit $15 – $20 billion by 2025. This growth will impact many aspects of the economy, but particularly the job market, where according to Leafy, there are now over 321,000 full-time American cannabis jobs, and this is only going to increase.
With the industry’s expansion, it’s not surprising many accredited universities and programs are investing time and money into cannabis education. Universities have started offering everything from specialty classes to full degrees in cannabis, and other programs are expanding their cannabis training and certifications to meet the needs of the emerging market.
Here are some of the notable programs making a name for themselves in cannabis education:
Medicinal Plant Chemistry | Northern Michigan University
NMU began offering a degree in medicinal plant chemistry in 2017. The program debuted as the first of its kind, and NMU has since then started offering a multidisciplinary indoor agriculture associate degree for careers in medicinal plant and agricultural food production. (via Cannabis & Tech Today)
Cannabis Chemistry | Lake Superior State University
In 2019, LSSU began offering a degree in cannabis studies with a focus on cannabis chemistry. They’ve since added a degree in cannabis business. The university’s Cannabis Center of Excellence offers courses like cannabis economics, cannabis law and policy, and survey of cannabis business. (via Cannabis & Tech Today)
Cannabis Studies | University of San Diego
In January of this year, USD started offering a pair of online certificates in cannabis. One of them focuses on Cannabis Healthcare and Medicine and the other is about Cannabis Law and Policy. USD partnered with Green Flower, an online marijuana education company, to create these certificate programs and help prepare students to enter the growing industry.
Classes and certificates aren’t only available at higher educational institutions:
Green Flower was built specifically for aspiring cannabis professionals and offers certification and certificate programs to help anyone learn more and enter the industry.
Coursera, an online course provider, partners with several universities to offer online courses on cannabis for anyone to take. Medical Cannabis: The Health Effects of THC and CBD Specialization offered on Coursera by UC Boulder, teaches about the risks and benefits of different types of cannabis and CBD products and how to use cannabis in ways that minimize the risks and maximize any potential benefits.
All of these programs give students a chance to learn more about an emerging industry full of opportunities in science, chemistry, engineering, business and more. Whether you are thinking about delving into a career in cannabis, or just interested in learning more, there is no shortage of resources and programs available.
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