First-of-its-kind program aimed at multiple positions in cannabis industry

At a rate of 22 percent a year, job growth in the therapeutic cannabis industry is exploding, and is anticipated to create more than 500,000 jobs by 2022. The rapidly expanding industry requires a skilled workforce with a specialized knowledge base, and the URI College of Pharmacy is preparing that workforce with an online undergraduate certificate program in therapeutic cannabis studies.

URI’s online, four-course program — the first of its kind in the nation — allows for the flexibility necessary to accommodate students nationwide, as well as working professionals. The certificate program offered through the College’s Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences department is delivered by leaders in natural product research, including phytocannabinoids such as CBD. The certificate consists of four 3-credit courses each lasting seven weeks, including Foundations of Cannabis Studies, Cannabis Product Development, Cannabis Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, and Cannabis Therapeutics.

The overall goal of the program is to provide graduates with an in-depth knowledge about the safe production and dissemination of cannabis-related information and products for qualified patients. It is aimed at many diverse positions in the industry, including sales, brand ambassador, laboratory technicians, quality compliance/assurance, dispensary management and product development and manufacturing.

“Being one of the first undergraduate certificate programs in therapeutic cannabis studies in the country, the University will be leading the scholarship of this growing field to improve scientific rigor and address public health and safety concerns,” said Professor Navindra Seeram, chair of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “The skills developed through the certificate program will prepare students for the evolving and expanding therapeutic cannabis industry. Students who complete the certificate will be highly competitive in several areas.”

Students successfully completing the course will earn a 12-credit certificate. Visit the undergraduate certificate in cannabis studies website for more information. Applications for classes beginning in the spring are due Dec. 15.