By: Hadassa Kalatizadeh
Some colleges and universities in New York are adding courses to help students capitalize on weed, following the state’s decision to legalize the recreational use of marijuana.
As reported by the NY Post, higher education courses are being added to syllabus across the state to prepare students for jobs in the up-and-coming cannabis industry. Marijuana is expected to be sold in local stores and pot shops sometime next year, thanks to the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the end of March. Some universities are welcoming the controversial opportunity with open arms.
Online Excelsior College has added undergraduate courses in marijuana, and is marketing new master’s degree courses leading to a graduate certificate in “Cannabis Control”. Scott Dolan, Dean at Excelsior College’s graduate program, told The Post, “We’re in the space to educate people about the cannabis industry. Cannabis will be a multi-billion industry in New York by 2025.” Dolan said the graduate courses aim to teach about the complexities facing the budding industry and how to comply with the handful of government regulations. He added that the courses could benefit pot growers, suppliers and sellers, as well as accountants, lawyers, health professionals and people in the insurance industry who would learn about social equity, environmental sustainability, corporate responsibility and public finance. Dolan noted that legal hurdles include the fact that “Marijuana is still illegal at the federal level”.
New York’s public university systems don’t seem to want to be left behind. Already, 10 different State University of New York campuses are offering courses related to the marijuana and hemp industries. “Our mission is to provide access to students to meet workforce demands,” said SUNY Chancellor James Malatras, in an interview on Sunday. “This is not a simple matter. This a seismic shift in the law”. Malatras said the number of cannabis courses, certificate and training programs and degrees offered to students will “absolutely” grow to help students find new jobs in the emerging industry.
New York’s top private colleges are also looking forward to capitalizing on teaching about Marijuana. NYU’s Stern School Business started a “CannaBusiness” for students and alumni that “will provide unparalleled access to industry professionals and corporate sponsors through Stern-hosted networking events and career panels,” according to the school’s website.
Cornell University, based in Ithaca, which has a robust agricultural research program to supporting the farm-rich upstate, is now offering a course entitled “Cannabis: Biology, Society and Industry.”
