Cannabis - Science, Industry, and Culture
Cannabis remains classified as a Schedule I substance federally, but 37 states and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of cannabis products, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have enacted measures to regulate cannabis for non-medical use.
Retail sales for cannabis in the United States hit $27 billion in 2021 and are projected to rise to $53 billion by 2026.
To prepare students for possible careers in the industry, the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences offers SPES 2004: Cannabis – Science, Industry and Culture.
The online course explores the botanical and horticultural aspects of cannabis.
It also delves into legal and commercial issues on the state, national, and international levels.
Students also learn how cannabis medically interacts with the human body and mind while also exploring its deep and historical impact on human culture.
In the two years the course has been offered, it had been a favorite for students. In its first year, 500 enrolled. That number doubled in the second year.
About the professor
Alex Niemiera is a professor in the School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. He was presented the 2022-23 Excellence in Teaching Award by the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech. He previously served as Assistant Dean of Student Programs for the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.