Stockton University is making history by becoming the first college or university in New Jersey to offer an undergraduate degree in cannabis studies starting this fall. The university, with its main campus in Galloway and locations in Atlantic City, Hammonton, Manahawkin, and Woodbine, will launch the Bachelor of Science in Hemp and Cannabis Business Management degree. This degree expands on Stockton’s existing Cannabis Studies minor, which has already graduated more than 70 students since its inception in 2018.
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The curriculum for this degree includes conventional business courses along with specialized topics related to cannabis. Students will engage in courses covering cannabis cultivation, social justice and cannabis, and an introduction to medical cannabis. The program also offers hands-on learning through field internships. Graduates can pursue various roles in labs, dispensaries, or engage in management, marketing, accounting, social media, or compliance for cannabis companies.
“The cannabis industry in New Jersey is rapidly expanding, offering numerous employment opportunities,” says Rob Mejia, an adjunct professor in cannabis education at Stockton. “The job market is growing exponentially, with professional, well-paying jobs that are diverse and in demand.”
In New Jersey, cannabis has been legal for medical use since 2010 and for recreational use since 2021. Medicinally, cannabis has been used to treat a variety of conditions, from seizures to anxiety. On the recreational side, the edible cannabis market is booming. Hemp, a form of cannabis, is a versatile plant used in various industries like textiles, apparel, and beauty products, providing a sustainable source of materials.
This year alone, New Jersey is set to sell over $1 billion in cannabis products. Despite the industry’s growth, there is still a stigma attached to cannabis use. Mejia addresses this stigma by leading an on-campus club called Cannabis Ospreys, which aims to educate and raise awareness about cannabis through guest speakers and charity events.
Stockton’s cannabis degree marks a milestone in New Jersey, yet Mejia notes that similar programs exist around the country. Through annual national cannabis curriculum convenings, Mejia connects with professors from other institutions to share ideas and improve cannabis education.
Other universities in New Jersey, such as Rutgers University and William Paterson University, offer cannabis-related certificates. Stockton has an affiliation agreement with Hudson County Community College that allows students to transfer from a cannabis associates degree to Stockton’s four-year cannabis studies program. Rowan University offers a unique MBA in cannabis commercialization studies.
In nearby Philadelphia, Saint Joseph’s University offers certificates in cannabis studies, while Thomas Jefferson University provides a Master of Science degree in medical cannabis science and business. Mejia anticipates more universities will join the cannabis studies field to meet the growing demand for trained professionals.
“I hope that we’ll attract strong enrollment and that our graduates will contribute to the industry in a smart, ethical, and socially responsible way,” Mejia says. Stockton’s cannabis program sets the stage for a promising future in cannabis education. Are you ready to join the green revolution?