Galloway, New Jersey’s Stockton University has launched a Cannabis & Hemp Research Institute (CHRIS) building on its cannabis studies academic studies and efforts to provide education, research, and resources for the state and national market.
The announcement comes a little over a month after Gov. Phil Murphy (D) signed the state’s legalization legislation into law.
Professor of Biology Ekaterina Sedia, who also serves as coordinator of the cannabis studies minor, noted that Stockton University was the first in the state to offer the minor, which it launched in 2019.
“Stockton is poised to do important research into areas that can provide opportunities for our students and emerging industries and enhance the economy of the state.” – Sedia in a press release
The institute will focus on developing research focusing on hemp cultivation practices, non-medical cannabis research, lab testing, and the creation of hemp and cannabis educational material.
Initially, the CHRIS testing lab will focus on providing testing services to hemp growers, processors, and manufacturers. The university said that while New Jersey was the third state to institute guidelines for hemp cultivation, the state’s industry remains in the nascent stages.
Robert Mejia, an adjunct professor of cannabis studies, said that “Hemp was an important part of America’s past and we’d like to make it an important part of America’s future.”
“We used to know how to grow and process hemp, but because of cannabis prohibition, we have to learn all over again,” he said in a statement. “As we learn, we will be sharing these valuable lessons with our community and the nation.”
The institute’s first event, a virtual cannabis curriculum convening, will be held April 21 and 22. The event will bring together cannabis educators from across the nation to exchange ideas, network, and discuss strategies to enhance cannabis education in higher education.
In February, Rowan University, based in Glassboro, launched its own Institute for Cannabis Research, Policy, and Workforce Development
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