New Jersey University Launches Cannabis Institute

New Jersey’s Rowan University has launched an Institute for Cannabis Research, Policy, and Workforce Development which is designed to assist and advise lawmakers, healthcare professionals, businesses, government agencies, and pharmaceutical companies on cannabis and cannabis policy.

The institute includes the Center for Cannabinoid Science & Therapeutics; Social-Behavioral, Security & Law Enforcement Cannabis Center; and Center for Cannabis Workforce Development.

The programs include undergraduate and graduate degree programs in cannabinoid chemistry with additional courses under development.

Tabbetha Dobbins, interim vice president for research at Rowan, said in a statement that “interdisciplinary collaboration is critically needed to help understand how these new cannabis laws will affect New Jersey.”

“We’ve seen the impact on other states and the possibilities. Research and data will be necessary to help us navigate this monumental shift in our society.” – Dobbins in a press release

The Center for Cannabinoid Science & Therapeutics will focus on cannabinoid composition and chemicals and their effects on health and well-being. The Social-Behavioral, Security & Law Enforcement Cannabis Center will investigate the social implications of broad legalization in the state and serve as a resource for policy makers and law enforcement. The Center for Cannabis Workforce Development is designed to help students obtain cannabis industry credentials and work experience.

“New Jersey is entering a whole new world,” said President Ali A. Houshmand, Ph.D, in a statement. “Rowan University has the expertise and resources necessary to study the potential medicinal uses of cannabis, as well as the societal impacts of these new laws. The research possibilities are endless.”

The announcement came the same week Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed into law the bill package to legalize cannabis in the Garden State.