Western Illinois University Latest to Offer Cannabis Curriculum

Western Illinois University is the latest higher education institution in the U.S. to offer a cannabis curriculum. The school announced on Monday that it will offer a minor in cannabis production which will require 18 to 19 credit hours and additional coursework from the department of biological sciences, the Associated Press reports.

School of Agriculture director Andy Baker said faculty members are still solidifying partnerships with hemp, and medical and adult-use cannabis producers. He added that the course and minor “are perfect complements” to WIU’s comprehensive degree program and anticipates class sizes of 20 to 40 students.

“We’re really excited about the potential for the new minor and hopefully attracting some new students to WIU, but also understanding that in the Illinois Department of Agriculture there’s another new bureau for cannabis regulation. So there’s going to be new employment opportunities in the state.” – Baker, to the Muscatine Journal

Recreational cannabis sales in the state topped nearly $40 million during the first month.

In September, Des Plaines’ Oakton Community College launched a cannabis certificate course focusing on molecular biology, drug laws, treating terminal illness, and other technical and practical knowledge to help students get a job in the burgeoning industry.

Earlier this week, Colorado officials approved the state’s first cannabis-related degree program, a bachelor of science in cannabis biology and chemistry at Colorado State University-Pueblo. Some colleges and universities in other states with legalized cannabis, such as Santa Rosa Junior College in California and American International College in Massachusetts, announced they would offer cannabis-centric curriculum.

Several Canadian higher university institutions are also rolling out cannabis degree programs.