The University of Connecticut has announced a new minor in Cannabis Cultivation, providing students with specialized training in this growing field. Led by professors of plant science, Gerald Berkowitz and Matthew DeBacco, the 15-credit minor was formalized in the spring 2023 semester. It provides training in the propagation, cultivation, commercial production, maintenance, processing, and potential markets for and uses of one species of cannabis, Cannabis sativa.
Why UConn Offers Minor in Cannabis Cultivation
According to Indrajeet Chaubey, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, UConn has been a leader in cannabis education and research since they launched the nation’s first cannabis horticulture course. The addition of the Cannabis Cultivation minor is another mechanism for students to formalize the skills, knowledge, and expertise in cannabis studies that they gain while at UConn.
Benefits of the Cannabis Cultivation Minor
Students who complete coursework in this minor are uniquely positioned for specialized jobs with licensed growers, as well as other companies working in the cannabis field. As part of the minor, students can receive credit for approved internships with growers and companies to provide students with experiential learning opportunities and exposure to jobs.
Kiera Ulmer, a third-year student from CAHNR, plans to apply for the Cannabis Cultivation minor as a way to further legitimize the coursework she’s already taken. After graduation, she plans to continue her work in the cannabis field, whether it be through a testing lab, medical dispensary, or cultivation site. She is excited to see where her education may take her and knows this minor will help her get there.
The High Potential Industry of Cannabis
The cannabis industry is rapidly growing, with more states legalizing marijuana for both medicinal and recreational use. This growth has created a high demand for trained professionals in the field of cannabis cultivation. In addition, the use of cannabis for medical purposes is becoming more widely accepted, leading to an increased need for knowledgeable professionals.
With UConn’s new Cannabis Cultivation minor, students can gain valuable skills and experience in a high-potential industry. They will learn how to grow and cultivate cannabis, as well as how to process it for commercial use. Students will also learn about the potential markets for cannabis, including medical and recreational use, and gain hands-on experience through internships with growers and companies.
