If you thought your stoner habits would get you kicked out of school, have no fear - at Northern Michigan University, they could actually get you a degree.
According to a report from Fox News, the educational institution has introduced a controversial new degree program in marijuana studies. This could help prospective students capitalize on the rising profitability of legal weed sales as a booming business, but as associate chemistry professor Brandon Canfield said, success in the program will require more than just a smoker's mentality. “Obviously, the program is new and different and it might speak to a certain crowd. But for a student to succeed, they’re going to have to be very dedicated and motivated,” he said. “This is not an easy program. It’s a really intense, biology chemistry program." Canfield noted that, while students won’t be growing any marijuana plants within the confines of the program, they will take a close look at similar plants that have value as medicinal solutions for various ailments.
The public university made the program available for the current Fall 2017 semester, with the report indicating that around twelve students are already enrolled. Students will partake in courses related to chemistry, biology, botany, horticulture, marketing and finance. “When they hear what my major is, there are a lot of people who say, ‘Wow, cool dude. You’re going to get a degree growing marijuana,'" said sophomore Alex Roth, who is currently enrolled in the program. “But it’s not an easy degree at all.” Other colleges and universities have offers courses on marijuana-based policy and businesses, but Northern Michigan is now the first to build a four-year degree dedicated to both the science and financial side of growing marijuana plants.
"Many of the states are legalizing different substances and they’re really looking for quality people to do the chemistry and the science,” said university trustee James Havemans. “And it’s the university’s responsibility to produce those kinds of students for those kinds of jobs.” Canfield added that many growers and dispensaries are already interested in taking on the program's students as interns.
