New Class Aims To Dispel Myths About Cannabis
June 30, 2021 As growers in the industry know, the cannabis plant takes many different forms, from medicinal cannabidiol (CBD) to industrial hemp.
Now, for newcomers to the cannabis production world, a class at the University of Illinois (U of I) Urbana-Champaign aims to break down all the different uses of the crop and provide a foundation for students interested in entering the industry.
“We need to have a better understanding of the difference between a plant grown for THC production or a plant grown for the other CBD non-psychoactive compound,” says DK Lee, the Crop Sciences professor who will teach the class.
The class, titled “Cannabis Classification and Management,” is a part of U of I’s new cannabis certificate program, which will ready students to enter the cannabis production industry by covering everything from the plant’s biology to best production practices.
“We are expecting a lot of job opportunities to become available,” Lee says. “If we try to help a student or some public people look for a job in cannabis, they can be equipped and can take the opportunity of growing the cannabis industry.”
Cannabis certificate programs are in the works at other Illinois universities as well, including Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and Oakton Community College in Des Plaines.
The U of I course will be available to enrolled students and community members, in an effort to meet the high demand and interest in the course.
“There’s a lot more indoor production facilities coming into Illinois, and many students and other people are looking at opportunities with this growing industry,” Lee says.
Lee anticipates all 40 spots reserved for U of I students filled up quickly. There will be 50 spots available to community members, and registration will open in July.
Learn more here.
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