Joining a small group of higher education institutions across the nation, Nebraska-based Doane University is starting a new online certificate in cannabis.
According to school, the professional cannabis certificate program, titled “Cannabis Science and Industries: Seeds to Needs,” will be offered on DoaneX starting this fall is first of its kind to be offered by a university in Nebraska.
DoaneX was created in January 2018 from the partnership between Doane University and EdX.
The course provides a foundation for working in ancillary professions within the cannabis industry such as marketing, business, finance, and administration along with the core skills of cultivating and processing of cannabis.
“Cannabis has been studied in-depth and much is published in medical literature on the benefits that can be provided from some of its component molecules,” said Amanda McKinney, Associate Dean of Health Sciences at Doane.
“While not a ‘cure-all’, cannabinoids can and should be used as they are safe and efficacious for many disorders.”
As a part of the program, the students will cover various topics including, cannabis science, wellness aspects of cannabis, regulations, safety, and compliance, economic impacts, and professions in the cannabis industry.
A recent report by Grand View Research, Inc pegged global legal marijuana market of USD 66.3 billion by the end of 2025 with increased legalization for medicinal and recreational purposes.
“Doane’s Professional Cannabis Program is based on innovation, advancement of science, cutting edge pedagogy, and the program will be expanded over time as the industry grows and federal regulations change,” said Dr. Andrea Holmes, professor of chemistry.
Recently, many colleges and universities have started offering programs on cannabis. Two years ago, Northern Michigan University started a major in medicinal plant chemistry that attracted more than 230 students from across the country.
Stockton University, Oaksterdam University, Cannabis Training University, Clover Leaf University, Trichome Institute, and THC University offer various minors in cannabis studies as well.
In 2017, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report urged philanthropic organizations, private companies, public agencies, and others to develop a “comprehensive evidence base” to identify beneficial and harmful effects in both short and long term of cannabis use.
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