The Pulse of Higher Ed

Perspectives on Online and Professional Education
from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts

Cannabis Can Be Confusing!

Cannabis can be confusing, but its emergence in our society is undeniable. Is cannabis a therapeutic or a recreational drug? Is it legal or illegal? Is it a fad or is it here to stay? What role can higher education play in answering these questions, as well as educating the workforce on the science, policy and business of cannabis? The cannabis industry is relatively new to our economy. It has the potential to create new products and services and thus many new jobs, new job titles, and new ways to develop supply chains.


To keep up with market changes, institutions of higher education have the opportunity to take the lead by developing new and relevant degrees and credentials without getting too far ahead of the market. For some disciplines related to cannabis, such as bioscience and agricultural studies, experts may already exist within higher education. In areas which are rapidly changing, the volume of expertise may lie outside the academy and within corporations. Drawing similarities to coding and cybersecurity, independent cannabis education programs can be found outside higher education institutions, such as with UPCEA partner Green Flower.
Green Flower offers certificates in all areas related to the cannabis industry, such as cannabis law and policy, agriculture, and enterprise.[1] Additionally, some colleges and universities already offer certificates and degree programs. The University of Washington, Northern Michigan University, the University of Maryland, and Harvard University are just a few of the institutions that have joined the ranks of U.S. higher education offering programs within the cannabis industry.

 

Just like with any other emerging industry, starting a new educational program on the topic too quickly can pose many risks, but also offer significant rewards. Proper market research and well-structured advisory committees at both the degree and noncredit levels could minimize the risk in moving out too aggressively. No matter where your institution lands on this spectrum, cannabis-related certificates and degrees are well underway. With the industry forecasted to reach $52 billion globally, the education of professionals will soon follow.[2]

 

Emerging industry education starts somewhere. We saw it with coding bootcamps a few years ago and currently in cybersecurity and even in eSports. The cannabis industry is not far behind as acceptance is growing and applications for CBD licensure have expanded immensely over the past few years. CBD can be found in health and medical treatments, but also in beverages, oils, coffees, candies, and other products. The science will change, as will the commerce and supply chain possibilities. Grab a gummie, sit back and read on for more about this evolving industry and how higher education can be more involved.

 

 

[1] https://www.greenfloweredu.com/

[2]https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/weed-us-marijuana-industry-facts-2019-5-1028177375#the-us-marijuana-market-is-worth-52-billion-but-87-of-sales-were-on-the-black-market7

Learn more about UPCEA's expert consultants

Do you need help with your PCO unit or campus? We can help. Contact UPCEA Research and Consulting for a brief consult. Email [email protected] or call us at 202-659-3130.

Trusted by the nation's top colleges and universities, UPCEA Research and Consulting provides the best value in the industry today. UPCEA's industry experts have years of experience in Online and Professional Continuing education - put them to work for you!

UPCEA Research and Consulting offers a variety of custom research and consulting options through an outcomes-focused pricing model. Find the option(s) that best suit your institution.

Learn more about UPCEA Research & Consulting


The UPCEA Difference

Unmatched Experience: For more than 100 years, UPCEA consultants have exclusively served the needs of online and professional continuing education programs. UPCEA consultants leverage their extensive industry expertise to expedite solutions, anticipate upcoming shifts, and offer distinct best practices, effectively aiding clients in achieving their goals.

Cost Effectiveness: As a nonprofit, member-serving organization, we provide unmatched value, allowing you to maximize limited research and consulting budgets.

Action in Motion: Our cadre of experienced, skilled authorities and expert practitioners propels you forward, translating research and consulting into impactful implementation, a distinctive hallmark of UPCEA. Our team of current and former institutional leaders will support you, turning research and consulting into action.

Mission Alignment: Like you, our mission is to enhance and expand educational opportunities and outcomes for adult and other non-traditional learners. We share your values and work in partnership with you to advance access and excellence in education.

Other UPCEA Updates + Blogs

New report from UPCEA – 2024 Staffing & Structure Survey Results

Amid growing demand for flexible and career-oriented education, online and Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) units are at the forefront of institutional innovation and revenue sustainability. Whether through degree programs, microcredentials, corporate training, or other non-credit offerings, these units play a critical role in expanding access to education and meeting the evolving needs of learners…

Read More

Which OPM Contract Terms Should Concern Campus Leaders and Why?

UPCEA is pleased to announce the release of a new brief, “Which OPM Contract Terms Should Concern Campus Leaders and Why?,” authored by Jeffrey C. Sun, J.D., Ph.D. and Heather A. Turner, Ph.D., and published jointly by the University of Louisville SKILLS Collaborative, Education Law Association, and UPCEA. When deciding whether to partner with an…

Read More

The Online Overhaul (The Chronicle of Higher Education)

“[…] The pressures to embrace online education aren’t equal across institutions, though. Those needing to retain or bulk up enrollment and those serving diverse, high-needs populations — community colleges and regional comprehensives, for example — are likely feeling more urgency to adapt, sources say. (Nearly 42 percent of the online-related jobs posted by public two-year colleges in…

Read More

UPCEA Co-Signs Letter with ACE in Response to Department of Ed’s DCL | Policy Matters (February 2025)

UPCEA Co-Signs Letter with ACE and Other Organizations in Response to Department of Education’s Feb. 14, 2025 Dear Colleague Letter (American Council on Education) “The stated purpose of the DCL is to “provide clarity to the public regarding existing legal requirements” for colleges and universities under the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision in Students for Fair…

Read More

Anticipating the Fall of 2025

In January 2025, the president issued an executive order freezing federal loans and grants, including Pell Grants and other student loans. While the order has since been rescinded, the damage was done. Moving forward, potential students will be wary about the frailty of college loans. There will be uncertainty as to whether college is affordable…

Read More

UPCEA 2024 Research: Unlocking Insights, Solving Higher Ed’s Biggest Challenges

The state of higher education in the U.S. is tumultuous with no clear and obvious pathway to success.  College and university leaders have never experienced what is currently going on regarding higher education, the economy, and the political landscape.  However, information can guide us, just as it did for UPCEA members coming out of the…

Read More

The Nation's Top Universities Choose UPCEA Research and Consulting

Informed decisions. Ideas that work. The data you need. Trusted by the top universities in the nation.