Track:

Cannabis* Education

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Sessions & Session Descriptions:

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Cannabis Education: Its Relationship to Evolving State Markets and Regulations

Cannabis Education: Its Relationship to Evolving State Markets and Regulations

As the field of cannabis education continues to develop, educators and institutions face changing state laws and regulations, as well as looming Federal law and policy reforms.  Presenters will discuss how changes in state cannabis markets, policies, or regulations have affected their cannabis programming, their experiences meeting changing industry needs, and how student needs have changed as both regulated markets and illicit sales have expanded in cannabis-legal states.  

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Cannabis in the Curriculum

The global cannabis industry is currently experiencing a huge boom.  Projected to grow at a staggering rate of 24.3% annually from now until 2027, the cannabis market is estimated to reach a total value of $37 billion by 2026, led primarily by North American operations.  Currently, the industry supports roughly half a million jobs in the United States alone and is among the industries experiencing the fastest-growing job markets nationwide.  2022 marked the 5th consecutive year the U.S. cannabis industry job growth rate exceeded 27% annually.  As cannabis science grows as both a sector of industry and, consequently, a field of research, it is increasingly important to prepare our students for future careers in this multifaceted area.  Through enriched curricula where cannabis science is taught in the classrooms, practiced in the laboratory, and applied to academic research, many universities nationwide provide exceptionally effective and unique learning experiences for students that will translate directly to their future careers.  The following session highlights many such entire cannabis science curricula, specific university courses or experiences for undergraduates, and the learning and research experiences of currently enrolled undergraduate and post-graduate students.  The presentations will focus on the efficacy of these integrated learning environments from the perspective of curriculum developers and students whose programs have resulted in successful scientific endeavors.  By spotlighting current cannabis science curricula and their successful outcomes, we hope to foster more interest and discussion around these unique programs and their institutions to build a stronger, more robustly educated workforce for the future of the cannabis industry.  

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From Seed to Skill: Cultivating Cannabis Education Programs

The legal cannabis industry is one of the newest and fastest-growing global industries. As such, the maturing global cannabis industry faces a critical need: a skilled and educated workforce. In response, colleges and universities are stepping up, but what does cannabis education look like?  Institutions of higher education have recognized the need for workforce training and have begun to offer programs in cannabis studies and sciences ranging from certificates to graduate degrees. As more colleges and universities add cannabis-related courses, curricula, programs, and degrees to their offerings, the need to step back and assess what it means for the field of cannabis education more generally becomes necessary.
Cannabis educators of all types - instructors, program coordinators, curriculum creators, etc. - are invited to share their knowledge of and experiences in this important, emerging field of education. Submissions focused on one of two general topics are encouraged: 

        1. Presentations focused broadly on cannabis-related program offerings. That is, descriptions and analyses of the number, types, locations, etc., of cannabis education programs offered in the U.S., Canada, and elsewhere. Submissions should also discuss the implications of their findings for everyday cannabis education practices and program administration. 

        2. Presentations focused on efforts to establish and administer specific cannabis education programs. Presentations should share responses to questions such as: What programs are offered? What classes are taught? Who teaches them? What are the challenges? What are the successes? What resources are used/needed? Share the process by which the program was created. How was the process initiated? Was the process contentious or well-received?  Who were the allies, and who were the detractors? What are the ""lessons learned"" and future directions? 
Presenters should strive to empower session participants to navigate the evolving landscape of cannabis education and better equip them to initiate or further develop a cannabis education program.

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Hemp Engagement & Education Through Extension Activities

As with any emerging industry, the emergence of hemp in the U.S. has had growing pains, providing unprecedented opportunities for impactful research, engagement, and learning across an entire value chain of a rapidly growing industry.   Hemp education and research extends beyond our formal University campuses, especially through Extension programs at land grant Universities.  The interactions between the state and these universities foster rich collaborations and activities that benefit not only our students but also our residents – farmers, growers, and supply chains, to name a few.  Medical, food and nutrition are hemp's functional attributes that drive industry growth and further extension engagement. In addition, there have been many developments across hemp supply chains with new processing facilities and interest in non-CBD-related hemp products from grain and fiber. This session will showcase programs and activities outside the classroom that engage students and faculty in education, research and workforce development opportunities.

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