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When we announced the Fall 2021 launch of our brand-new Cannabis Entrepreneurship B.S. program, we knew there’d be a lot of interest and questions. Unique to the region — and to most cannabis-related programs offered across the country — this program has a serious business focus and will span the entire process of building a business within the booming cannabis industry. From the foundations of entrepreneurship to the development and sale of a product, you’ll learn everything you need to know about creating your own cannabis business and brand.

Sounds fun, right? That’s why questions and applications have been flying in. We’re here to answer the top questions and get you on your way to studying Cannabis Entrepreneurship at JWU.

1. Will cannabis be grown in JWU’s Cannabis Entrepreneurship program?

Although cannabis will not be grown as part of the program, students will utilize plants that have similar growth characteristics such as tomatoes, coleus, hops and sundew.

“Sundew (genus Drosera) will be used to characterize trichomes, a specialized plant structure that is also found in cannabis,” explains Michael Budziszek, Ph.D., one of the lead faculty members of the program and an expert in botany. “Plants with medicinal properties, like those in the mint family (Lamiaceae), will be used to model the extraction of important biological medicinal compounds. Plants like tomatoes, hops and coleus — to name a few — will be used to model and mimic growth conditions found in cannabis.”

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2. What is the science portion of the program like?

The science courses will take you through the cultivation and extraction processes that are currently used in both the recreational and medical aspects of the industry. Each lecture science course is accompanied by a hands-on laboratory course equipped with grow tents, grow lights, air purification systems, and environmental sensors to give students first-hand experience measuring and optimizing plant growth.

3. What career options would I qualify for with this degree?

Because the program covers the entire process of building a business and creating your own cannabis product, this degree can qualify you for virtually any career path in the cannabis industry. Growers, extractors, sales representatives, dispensary managers, accountants and many other positions are in high demand.

“We are beginning to see that conventional business practices are a key to the success of the cannabis industry,” said Magnus Thorsson, Ph.D., one of the lead faculty members for the program. “Growers and distributors are increasingly looking for specialists with a background in entrepreneurship and supply-chain-management to keep ahead of growing competition. Our industry contacts confirm that they need accountants and business managers with knowledge of botany to run their expanding operations.” 

4. How can I get into the Cannabis Entrepreneurship program?

You can apply via JWU's online application or the Common App. Just indicate your interest in the Cannabis Entrepreneurship program by selecting it in the Program Information section of the application. Once your application is received, an admissions representative will reach out with more details. 

5. Can I transfer into the program from another university or another JWU program?

Since it is a new program, Cannabis Entrepreneurship will not be accepting transfers until Fall 2022. However, there are still plenty of options for you to get started at JWU this fall and seamlessly transfer into the program next year.

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If you’re a current JWU student and would like to change your major to Cannabis Entrepreneurship, reach out to your personal academic counselor to begin planning your next steps.

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