Did you know that since 2019, Lake Superior State University has been pioneering degree programs designed to propel students into the rapidly expanding cannabis industry? With cannabis markets flourishing across the United States, surpassing even technology and healthcare sectors in growth, LSSU offers a unique opportunity for students to be at the forefront of this innovative field.
The B.S. Cannabis Chemistry program, the first of its kind in the United States, equips students with comprehensive knowledge in chemistry. The degree focuses on the quantitative analysis of cannabis-related compounds and contaminants, along with the extraction of cannabis plant material. This includes in-depth studies of THC, CBD, terpenes, and more. Endorsed by the American Chemical Society, the degree incorporates a blend of traditional biology, biochemistry, and chemistry subjects with specialized cannabis courses, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the scientific community within the cannabis industry.
What sets this degree apart is its emphasis on practical, hands-on experience. Students gain over 600 hours of laboratory experience, working with state-of-the-art instrumentation and industry-standard techniques. Unlike other programs, LSSU students work directly with actual cannabis plant material, providing them with real-world experience essential for their future careers.
The program’s curriculum is thoughtfully designed to cover essential aspects of chemistry and cannabis science. Students delve into General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Analysis, and Instrumental Analysis, alongside specialized courses like Cannabis Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Cannabis Plant Prep Analysis, and Cannabis Separations Chemistry. This comprehensive approach ensures a solid foundation in chemistry while providing expertise in cannabis-specific studies.
LSSU’s state-of-the-art laboratories are a cornerstone of this program. In the analysis lab, students utilize advanced chemical instrumentation from Agilent and Bruker, including High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectrometry. In the extraction lab, students gain access to key industry production techniques such as hydrocarbon extraction, ethanol extraction, wiped film distillation, and advanced crystallization techniques. This exposure to cutting-edge technology enhances the learning experience and ensures graduates are well-versed in the tools used in today’s cannabis industry. LSSU was also recently awarded two NSF-MRI awards to purchase a Scanning Electron Microscope and a micro X-Ray Fluorescence spectrophotometer which will be used to study Cannabis tissue and nutrition.
Graduates of the B.S. Cannabis Chemistry program can look forward to a multitude of career paths. Potential roles include Bio/Analytical Chemistry, Analytical or Processing Lab Management, Clinical Chemistry, Food Safety and Quality Assurance Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, and many more. Some students are even preparing for graduate school to continue their education. Cannabis Chemistry student, Alex Eckman, says he plans to pursue a PhD in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design after graduating. His end goal is to return to academia to become a professor of Cannabis Chemistry and to further research in the field of cannabinoid-based medicine.
Senior Cannabis Chemistry student Mackenzie Stockwell, former president of the cannabis studies club, also plans on pursuing graduate school. Her goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry to enter drug research and development incorporating both holistic and pharmaceutical medicine in an impactful way within the medical field. The current president of the cannabis studies club, Jackson Rund, is a junior in the Cannabis Chemistry and Cannabis Business programs. His goals while studying are to pursue unique research projects as well as expand the university’s research collaborations and business partnerships.
Lake Superior State University’s B.S. Cannabis Chemistry degree is more than just an educational program; it’s a gateway to a burgeoning industry. With its comprehensive curriculum, hands-on laboratory experience, and a focus on real-world applications, the program is poised to produce the next generation of leaders in cannabis science and analysis. If you’re ready to be part of a field that’s shaping the future, LSSU’s B.S. Cannabis Chemistry degree is your starting point!
For more information about the program, visit Lake Superior State University’s website, https://www.lssu.edu/college-science-environment/cannabis-chemistry
About The Author
Alex is currently a senior in the B.S. Cannabis Chemistry degree program at Lake Superior State University. He is also a Student Government Representative and the Marketing Officer for the LSSU Cannabis Club, and has worked in the Michigan cannabis industry for seven years.
About Lake Superior State University: Lake Superior State University offers 35 bachelor’s degree programs, 21 associate degree programs, and 10 certificate programs. Surrounded by three Great lakes, LSSU provides an unsurpassed location for research, innovation, and real-world experiences. Lake State is one of Michigan’s most affordable public universities, and 90 percent of full-time students receive financial aid. LSSU competes in 11NCAA Division II an in Division I for men’s hockey. Lake State has approximately 1,600 undergraduate students, with 82 percent coming from Michigan, and with every county represented. LSSU was founded in 1946 in Sault Ste. Marie, the oldest city in Michigan (1668), on the site of the former U.S. Arm’s Fort Brady, and has regional centers in Escanaba, Iron Mountain, and Petosky.
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