Schools

Cannabis Studies Program Comes To Rider University In Fall

The program will be offered virtually, and students can learn about entering the legal cannabis market, the University said.

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University will offer a cannabis studies certificate program beginning this fall, the University announced.

The program will be offered virtually, and students can learn about entering the legal cannabis market, the University said.

"We want as many people as possible to have access to this program to help build their careers in this expanding industry," Sarah Trocchio, assistant professor of sociology and criminology said in a statement.

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"As cannabis legalization continues to expand, our students will be able to enter the field with the skills, experience and connections needed to succeed."

Last year Gov. Phil Murphy signed three bills making adult use of marijuana legal and decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana possession in the state.

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New Jersey joins states like California, Colorado, Maine, Vermont and Massachusetts to make cannabis legal.

The Lawrenceville-based university’s program will explore the biological, legal, ethical, business and practical aspects of the industry. The course will be taught by industry professionals, allowing students to gain experience and learn about future internships and job opportunities.

"This certificate will prepare students for roles that go beyond the budtender," Victor Thompson, chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology said. "They can work in a number of roles in the industry, from accounting and finance, communications and marketing, sales, management, public policy, law, research and development, and more."

Ahead of offering the program, in 2020 Trocchio led a special topics course called "Reefer Madness: From Panic to Profit." During the course, students conducted a survey of New Jersey residents on their opinion about legal cannabis, personal use and social justice implications.

The cannabis industry is among the fastest-growing in the country with a variety of employment opportunities. The industry supports 428,059 full-time jobs, according to a report by Leafly, a website focused on cannabis use and education.

Prospective students can meet with faculty and industry experts to learn more on March 24 from 4:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. in Rider's Science and Technology Center. Registration is required.


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