Universities across America are offering specialised courses in marijuana studies. Students can now learn everything from cannabis cultivation to dispensary management. The development is raising serious concerns amongst drug prevention advocates.

At DePaul University, a private Catholic institution in Chicago, students enrol in classes such as “Cannabis and Society” and “Community-Centric Dispensary Management.” The marijuana studies coursework arrives as Illinois joins other states in permitting cannabis use for medical or recreational purposes.

Federal Law Concerns Over Cannabis Courses

Critics argue these programmes normalise an industry centred on a federally illegal substance. Luke Niforatos of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) believes the trend is deeply problematic.

“I don’t think anyone would support having a college course training people how to be the next executive at Big Tobacco or helping deal any other kind of drug,” Niforatos explains. “It seems odd that we have courses training people on how to commercialise addiction.”

The expansion of cannabis courses extends beyond private institutions. Several state-funded universities now offer similar curricula. This prompts questions about whether taxpayer money should support education in an industry that remains illegal under federal law.

Teaching Students to Break Federal Law

“These are courses that are teaching students how to become proficient in violating federal law flagrantly,” Niforatos states. He encourages concerned citizens and taxpayers to contact legislators regarding these marijuana studies programmes.

Most American states have not legalised marijuana. The drug remains banned in the majority of the country. Yet universities continue developing these specialised courses.

Modern Cannabis Industry Backed by Big Business

Whilst marijuana use has existed for generations, Niforatos emphasises that today’s cannabis bears little resemblance to past iterations. Modern strains are significantly more potent. The industry increasingly attracts backing from major investors in tobacco, alcohol, and pharmaceutical sectors.

“The marijuana industry is learning from the best of the worst, if you will,” Niforatos observes.

The proliferation of cannabis courses reflects broader societal shifts. As universities continue developing marijuana studies programmes, the debate over their appropriateness and legality intensifies.

Source: afn