Roanoke College introduces new Cannabis Studies Program
SALEM, Va. (WFXR) — Roanoke College announced its new Cannabis Studies Program beginning this fall. Through this program, students can choose either a cannabis science route or a social justice and policy route.
President of Roanoke College, Dr. Frank Shushok Jr. says this is the first program of its kind in Virginia.
“All the programs that are coming out of Roanoke College are coming because they’re things that the community tell us need to be addressed, that people need to be educated about, and that will make a difference in creating a stronger and healthier community,” said Shushok.
What was once a taboo topic is now expected to become an at least $40 billion industry this year.
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Roanoke College professor of Biology, DB Poli, says now more than ever communities need a program like this.
“We have lawyers that need to come back for education, medical doctors that need to come back for this education because it was considered too taboo for their medical schools,” said Poli.
Recreational marijuana is now legal in 23 states, and the number of states allowing medical cannabis use is even higher.
The goal of the cannabis studies program is to educate students on the science and history of the plant, as well as the policy issues in the industry.
“There’s always going to be criticism, there’s criticism no matter what you study, and this is no different,” said Poli.
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Poli emphasizes that all the cannabis plants used in the program will be hemp plants. Hemp contains less than 0.3% THC, which is the chemical in marijuana that causes the high.
However, she says working with Hemp plants will still give students the training they need to be successful in the cannabis industry.
And because this is an ever-changing industry, she says the program will constantly change as well.
“We have to pay very close attention to every single law to every single conversation that occurs from now to the end of time with this program, and we have to evolve as it evolves,” said Poli.
The program will be available starting fall of 2024, and there will be an option for a minor as well.
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