In high school I was completely against smoking. In fact, I would get mad at my boyfriend every time he would get high. Then I went to college… If they gave degrees in weed, I would have earned my PhD in months. Low and behold… there is a college that offers a major medical plant chemistry program. Jaw dropping amazingness! Okay, fine, they don’t teach you how to roll a Bob Marley , and its frowned upon to come to class high, but they are setting you up for serious success in the ever-advancing medical marijuana industry.
North Western University in Michigan, is now offering this one-of-a-kind degree. The school recognized the demand and was able to supply (if that’s not a drug dealer mentality, I don’t know what is). All jokes aside, there is a demand for trained analytical chemist in the marijuana industry and North Western was able to offer this specific major within their already existing chemistry program. The school hopes to become a major innovator for the legal marijuana business, which employs between 165,000 and 230,000 Americans — about as many people as there are dental hygienists working in the US.
According to the University’s website, students will take classes in chemistry, plant biology, and business entrepreneurship, and complete a capstone research project involving “experimental horticulture” and “instrumental analysis of natural products”. Currently, the students will not be growing marijuana, but that could change pending the cultivation laws. Possession of marijuana is illegal in Michigan unless you have a debilitating medical condition since 2008. There are over 218,000 residents holding medical marijuana cards in the state, which is 2.2% of the population according to mpp.org.
Currently, there are 12 students enrolled in the program and according to the school’s head of chemistry department, they expect that number to double or triple by next fall semester. If you are thinking about advancing in the marijuana industry, this degree might be for you. The process of applying and getting in, is just like any other college; there are pre-requisites, applications, fees, etc. Nonetheless, the payoff is sure to be worth it.
