Clark University, located in Worcester, Massachusetts is all set to launch a first-in-the-nation graduate certificate in regulatory affairs for cannabis control.
The university officials believe that the present regulatory landscape in the cannabis world isn’t just a local issue but rather a national one.
The university has reportedly kept the entire curriculum online so that the people across the continent can access the program. “The online format is strategic as the program lays emphasis on policies rather than business aspects of sales, cultivation and extraction – thus it does not violate any federal law,” said John LaBrie, Dean of the School of Professional Studies and associate provost for professional graduate education.
Beginning this fall, the program comprises 3 online courses viz. regulatory models; stakeholder education and enforcement; and health and public safety concerns. Through the program, the participants will learn how to create public policies, the influence of medical, social, economic and legal viewpoints on cannabis use, monitoring and control, etc.
Notably, some of the program modules have been created by small teams such as those in law enforcement, medical fields, or former municipal administrators.
“Some states allowed marijuana through legislation, while others adopted legalization through citizens’ initiative petitions. Therefore, some states have almost no structure in place,” believes LaBrie, while adding that the cannabis control commission of Massachusetts is acting as a great role model for other states.
Clark University has already received over 200 queries for enrollment.
Costing around $2,800, the three-unit program can count toward credit in Clark’s master of public administration program.
Talking about the main reason why the School of Professional Studies began this program, LaBrie said: “We really wanted to make our credentials very relevant to the modern-day employment community.”
Notably, by the end of 2019, roughly 10,000 full-time employment opportunities will be available in the cannabis industry of Massachusetts.
