Higher Learning, Higher Earning: Ole Miss Launches First-Ever Master’s in Medical Marijuana

In a groundbreaking move, the University of Mississippi, with a rich history in medical marijuana research dating back to the 1960s, is set to launch the first-ever Master's program in Medical Marijuana and Dietary Supplements in the fall of 2024. This two-year online program, offered under the School of Pharmacy, is designed to provide advanced training for individuals seeking employment or career advancement in the flourishing industries of dietary supplements and medical cannabis, both experiencing a surge in use across the United States.

The unique aspect of this program, as highlighted by David Colby, the director of online graduate programs in the biomedical sciences department, lies in its focus on training students to design products rather than merely instructing them on the usage of cannabis products. The curriculum is tailored to equip students with the skills required to thrive in these dynamic industries, emphasizing product design, formulation, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, and analytical chemistry.

While the program will appeal to those entering the field, it is also explicitly designed for professionals already working in dietary supplements or medical cannabis who seek career progression. Operating entirely online, it accommodates students who are partially or fully employed, offering them the flexibility to advance their careers while studying.

The program's structure is divided into two parts, with the first year concentrating on dietary supplements and the second on medical marijuana. Each leg consists of five courses covering general history, pharmacy, toxicology, policy and law, formulation and manufacturing, chemistry and standardization, and plant genomics.

With full accreditation expected by the end of the semester, the program has already received approval from the Institution of Higher Learning. Faculty members, such as Hayley Prescott, instructional assistant professor of biomolecular sciences, express hopes that the program will contribute to a more educated and critically thinking workforce in the dietary supplement and medical marijuana industries. As Mississippi sees a surge in interest in medical marijuana, programs like Ole Miss' mark the first step in developing a comprehensive curriculum to meet the growing demands of the natural products and medical cannabis sectors.

This story was originally published by the Clarion Ledger.