Modern Hemp Programs in US University Education

With the development of the hemp industry in the United States in recent years, several training programs focused on the study of hemp have appeared in a number of disciplines. The great interest of universities as a response to the needs of the labor market in highly qualified specialists of various professions indicates the growing popularity of culture, all kinds of directions for its use and a sharp increase in the volume of production of hemp raw materials. 

As the hemp breeding industry has developed in the United States in recent years, several curricula have appeared in a number of disciplines at the level of colleges and universities that train bachelors, masters and graduate students focused on hemp. This trend is associated with the rapid development of hemp breeding, thanks to billions of dollars invested in the industry, hundreds of thousands of jobs created (over the past year, growth was 44%, or 64 thousand) and countless hours of scientific research on biology, pharmacology, selection and processing of this plants. All this indicates that hemp has become perceived not only as an important agricultural crop, but also as a highly profitable market segment.

If we analyze the universities in the context of the direction of study or specialties, then the following branches of knowledge about cannabinoids are most often involved:

- chemistry;

- pharmacology;

- the medicine;

- right;

- business

Both students and applicants for academic degrees, as well as people employed in the hemp industry, including investors and entrepreneurs of various levels, are trained.

Most recently, a program was launched for graduates of Clark University, following the results of which graduates will receive a certificate on the regulation of control of cannabis. The program provides for familiarization with public policy issues related to the cultivation, distribution, sale and regulation of adult use of cannabis, as well as its use for medical purposes. This course has arisen due to a significant gap between the level of public interest and state policy in the states that have legalized the ability to use hemp for medical and recreational purposes. The concept of legal and public policy has not been fully developed to implement the market integration of previously illegal substances. Clark University's faculty intends to fill in the gaps for politicians as well as officials involved in the hemp industry. Using the lens of public policy, the curriculum includes not only studying the current legal framework in a number of states, but also provides for the consideration of public safety, health and education issues faced by local government and state authorities. It is believed that the educational answer to this question is best implemented if it goes beyond a simple discussion of the law. A new graduate course at Clark University will begin as early as the upcoming fall semester.

Commentary of the Ukrainian Technical Hemp Association

The great interest of universities as a response to the needs of the labor market in highly qualified specialists of various professions indicates the growing popularity of culture, all kinds of directions for its use and a sharp increase in the volume of production of hemp raw materials. In our country, within the framework of the “ Hemp University ”, the specialized association of Ukrainian hemp breeders regularly holds various forms of classes (seminars, conferences, round tables, master classes, etc.). This fall, a round table is planned on a rather relevant topic:  "Hemp raw materials: technologies for its use in construction, production of biocomposite materials and furniture . "