Cannabis Cultivation Minor Sprouts Up At UConn

STORRS, CT — Would Charles and Augustus Storrs have imagined the latest course of study when they donated land in 1880 to start an agricultural school in Connecticut? Well, this week, citing enhanced cultural and employment climates, the University of Connecticut said it is digging further into the "growing" field of cannabis production.

Recreational cannabis stores have sprouted up just minutes from the Storrs campus in Willimantic and Manchester and are spreading all over the state.

UConn announced that a new minor in Cannabis Cultivation will allow students a chance to receive "specialized training" in the field. UConn College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources Dean Indrajeet Chaubey said the program adds to a curriculum that is already ahead of the curve.

"Since we launched the nation’s first cannabis horticulture course, UConn has been a leader in cannabis education and research. Chaubey said. "We are thrilled to add another mechanism for students to formalize the skills, knowledge, and expertise in cannabis studies that they gain while at UConn."

The program is being led by professors of plant science Gerald Berkowitz and Matthew DeBacco.

The 15-credit minor was formally introduced for the spring 2023 semester. It is designed to provide training in the "propagation, cultivation, commercial production, maintenance, processing, and potential markets for and uses of one species of cannabis, Cannabis sativa."

As part of the minor, students can receive credit for approved internships with growers and companies to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and exposure to jobs.

UConn officials said students who complete coursework in this minor will "uniquely positioned for specialized jobs with licensed growers, as well as other companies working in the cannabis field."