Apr 27, 2019

LSSU Launches Cannabis Business Degree Program

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) is launching a baccalaureate of science in cannabis business. The cannabis business program was designed for future managers, supervisors and business developers within a commercial enterprise.

“Our core mission is to equip graduates with knowledge and practical skills for meaningful employment in Michigan and across the nation,” LSSU President Rodney Hanley said. “Our cannabis business graduates will become the next generation of leaders in this rapidly evolving industry.”

In the U.S., the cannabis market is set to create more than 500,000 jobs by 2022, outpacing healthcare and technology sectors. Estimates in Michigan alone predict legal cannabis spending could surpass $1.3 billion in 2022 and employ almost 28,000 people. In Canada, they are estimating at least 1,700 open positions in the cannabis industry and that the industry could create as many 125,000 jobs in the next few years. With the legalization of cannabis in both Canada and Michigan, LSSU is strategically positioning itself to the forefront of this emerging market, preparing the next generation of cannabis scientists and business leaders.

“Preparing students for tomorrow is our goal, and with a projected annual growth rate of over 28 percent, and sales reaching $47 billion in the next decade, LSSU Cannabis Business graduates will have the skills and knowledge to take the lead in this emerging industry,”  Ralf Wilhelms, Lukenda School of Business professor, said.

The foundation of this program cultivates a hybrid of business management courses with the principles of cannabis-specific business functions and operations. Students in the program will take classes such as Cannabis Business Policy and Cannabis Economics to face unique issues related to state, federal, provincial, and international laws.

LSSU also offers an associate program in Cannabis Chemistry.

To learn more about this new program, visit LSSU.edu/cannabisbusiness.