MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY NOW OFFERS DEGREE IN ‘MARIJUANA STUDIES’
Whether you like marijuana or not, there’s no denying that it is quickly becoming more acceptable across the board.
Recreational use aside, the plant actually has amazing medicinal uses. People with different medical issues, such as epilepsy, are able to reduce or completely get rid of their symptoms (pain, seizures, etc) with the use of marijuana.
Business Insider reports:
Marijuana use can prevent epileptic seizures, a 2003 study showed.
Robert J. DeLorenzo, of Virginia Commonwealth University, gave marijuana extract and synthetic marijuana to epileptic rats. The drugs rid the rats of the seizures for about 10 hours. Cannabinoids like the active ingredients in marijuana,tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC), control seizures by binding to the brain cells responsible for controlling excitability and regulating relaxation.
With that being said, Northern Michigan University is now offering a degree in ‘marijuana studies’ as they focus on ways to capitalize the drug.
Associate chemistry teacher Brandon Canfield said, “Obviously, the program is new and different and it might speak to a certain crowd. But for a student to succeed, they’re going to have to be very dedicated and motivated.”
He continued, “This is not an easy program. It’s a really intense, biology chemistry program,” Canfield added. He noted that while students won’t grow marijuana plants in the program, they do study similar plants with medicinal value.”
Fox 5 Atlanta reports:
The public university in the Great Lakes State launched the program for the fall 2017 semester, with about a dozen students currently enrolled. In addition to courses in chemistry, biology, botany and horticulture, students will also study marketing and finance, the paper reported.
“When they hear what my major is, there are a lot of people who say, ‘Wow, cool dude. You’re going to get a degree growing marijuana,'” said sophomore Alex Roth, a student of the program. “But it’s not an easy degree at all.”
While other colleges and universities offer classes or certificates in marijuana policy and law, Northern Michigan breaks ground to offer the first four-year degree dedicated to the science and business of growing marijuana.
There is no denying that it is a powerful substance and can change lives when used properly. Why not start studying the plant and fully harness its abilities?
Would you consider majoring in marijuana studies?
