Cannabis Studies

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Vermont State’s Cannabis Studies Certificate Program is a 12-credit interdisciplinary program exploring cannabis – including its historical, cultural, economic, political, legal, medicinal, and spiritual dimensions. You’ll also learn about and participate in the cultivation of cannabis and the commercial development of the cannabis industry. In addition, the certificate program provides students with Cannabis Employee ID Card Compliance Training, required of all employees in the Vermont cannabis industry. The Cannabis Studies Certificate Program is your ticket to the cannabis industry, providing the education, experience, opportunity and certification to enter this growing field.

Why Study Cannabis Studies at Vermont State

  • Flexibility: You can enroll in this certificate program as a stand-alone credential or add it to your Vermont State program of study.
  • Interdisciplinary Study: The Cannabis Studies Certificate Program takes a multi- and interdisciplinary approach to cannabis studies, including its history and anthropology, sociology and politics, cultivation and production, health and wellness, business and enterprise, practical experience and skills development. 
  • Career Opportunity: Learn how to capitalize on emerging career opportunities within this field, from working with cannabis businesses and organizations to roles as a regulation consultant, master grower, cannabis medicine consultant, lab worker, budtender, and more. 
  • Affordable and Accessible: Just 12 credits plus opportunities to take courses during the summer and a flexible internship mean you can complete the program at your own pace. 

Sample Courses

  • Cannabis, Culture, and Consciousness 
  • Cannabis, Cultivation, and Care 
  • Canna-Business 
  • Cannabis Studies Internship  

Student Stories

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“The Cannabis Studies Program provided me the opportunity to be part of original research on cannabis, further my understanding of how cannabis interacts with our physiology and taught me valuable lessons working with participants in one of the first clinical human trials Castleton has ever held.”

Chandler Volk
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“I took the program in my senior year and found Prof. Condon’s and Prof. Lamy’s classes really helpful. The canna-business class showed me the variety of jobs in the cannabis industry and how it’s constantly growing. Guest speakers were informative, and the Cannabis, Culture, and Consciousness class was fascinating, especially with its focus on the corrupt history of cannabis. The internships, though, were the most valuable part. Working on three different farms helped me network and break into the industry. Overall, the classes are useful for any student, but it was the internships that really opened doors for me.”

Jake Mead
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“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities in the CSCP. Learning about cannabis—its history, business, and cultivation—was fascinating. I gained insights I never would have expected. I tell everyone how amazing it is that VTSU offers these courses. From learning how to grow cannabis to interning with Phil Lamy on the webpage, it’s been an incredible experience. I’m excited to apply my certificate in my career and see where this education takes me. Thank you to CSCP and Phil Lamy for these opportunities.”

Ellise Ghio
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“I’m a huge fan of the program and feel it prepared me for both of my jobs in the cannabis industry. I interned at Valley Stock Farm in Orwell, Vermont, where I still work, and I’m helping the owner open a dispensary in Castleton. I also work at the CeresMD medical dispensary in Middlebury. The program gave me the knowledge and training to succeed in these roles. Overall, it was a blessing and a key reason I excel at my jobs.”

Madison Martin

Meet Our Faculty

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Assistant Professor

  • Castleton Campus

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Part-Time Faculty

  • Lyndon Campus

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Part-Time Faculty

  • Lyndon Campus

Professor

  • Castleton Campus

Professor

  • Castleton Campus

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Part-Time Faculty

  • Castleton Campus

Questions?

Questions about how to apply? Contact, Professor Philip Lamy. If you’re interested in taking a cannabis course you can register as a non-matriculated student.

Professor

  • Department

    • Social Sciences
  • Primary Office Location

    Castleton Campus

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