MACOMB, Ill. (NEWS3) — Western Illinois University will offer a second cannabis-related minor starting in fall 2020.
The second minor is called ‘cannabis & culture’ in the WIU College of Arts and Sciences. The first cannabis minor announced, cannabis production, will be offered through WIU’s School of Agriculture.
The second minor consists of 18-19 credit hours with courses from cannabis culture, religion & drugs, contemporary moral problems, history of drugs, introduction to public policy and ethno-botany, among others.
“The cannabis industry, which is rapidly growing, needs individuals who not only have a broad-based education, but also who have an understanding of policy, as well as marketplace knowledge,” Co-creator of the second minor and Anthropology Professor Heather McIlvaine-Newsad said.
It is also an interdisciplinary minor, combining coursework from multiple departments to provide an understanding in the particular field of study. It includes courses from anthropology, botany, history, liberal arts and sciences, philosophy, religious studies and political science.
“This new minor will provide our students with educational opportunities that examine numerous aspects of the cannabis trade,” Liberal Arts and Sciences Professor and co-creator Sarah Haynes said. “And our new minor is distinct within the state of Illinois. No other public or private institution in the state offers a minor of this type that addresses the cultural aspects of the cannabis industry and its global use.”
“We’re thrilled to be able to provide our students with new, progressive academic programs such as the new minors in Cannabis and Culture and Cannabis Production.” WIU Interim Provost Billy Clow said.
An online version of the minor is being reviewed.
