A New Era in Cannabis Education
In a groundbreaking move, the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (PIT) is launching its first four-year degree program in cannabis business studies. This comes as the U.S. cannabis market burgeons to an estimated worth of $38.5 billion. With a focus on both the adult-use and medical marijuana sectors, PIT’s program aims to cultivate future leaders equipped with business acumen and specialized expertise.
Diverse Opportunities for Students
Led by program director Lou Giannotti, PIT’s curriculum covers a vast spectrum of the cannabis industry. According to Giannotti, this includes key internship opportunities in areas like cannabis health, horticulture, sales, and marketing. By addressing both the business and scientific aspects, students can expect to gain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving field. “They can emerge as leaders in the cannabis industry,” said Giannotti.
Breaking Ground with Industry Support
The program is groundbreaking not only because it is among the few bachelor’s degree offerings of its kind but also due to its comprehensive nature. As stated in Delco Times, legalization of adult-use cannabis is being advocated in Pennsylvania, further broadening the industry’s scope. PIT is setting the stage for addressing criminal justice reform and social equity opportunities tied to cannabis legalization.
Empowering Future Generations
PIT embraces its entrepreneurial spirit by preparing students like Holly Porter, a former graduate now pursuing further education in this pioneering field. “Our students can really do anything,” said Sydney Hays, a professor well-versed in cannabis horticulture and medicinal education. The program introduces students to practical knowledge and skills necessary for success across various sectors of the cannabis industry.
Welcoming a New Wave of Enrollment
With PIT also seeing an increase in student enrollment over the past years, the addition of this degree aligns with its commitment to providing enriching educational experiences. Matt Meyers, the college president, emphasizes that PIT is dedicated to empowering its students to become game-changers in the cannabis field.
Building the Future
The future looks bright for PIT with its plans to undergo a significant expansion made possible through a generous $3.9 million donation. Scheduled to begin this fall, the campus expansion reflects the ever-growing demand for specialized education like the groundbreaking Cannabis Business degree PIT now offers.
As the cannabis industry continues to flourish, the Pennsylvania Institute of Technology stands at the forefront, ready to educate the leaders driving this transformative change across social, economic, and public health domains.