Bachelor of Science
Cannabis Entrepreneurship
Grow Your Future in Cannabis
Interested in diving into the growing cannabis industry? At JWU Providence, our program covers everything you need to learn, from plant cultivation and extraction to the legal and regulatory landscape. Whether your interests are in medicine and healthcare, science and research, or business and marketing, you’ll get a well-rounded education that will prepare you for this evolving field.
You’ll take courses across biology, chemistry, business, entrepreneurship and economics. Through coursework and experience in our Grow Lab, you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the cannabis industry, develop business skills unique to the cannabis market and have opportunities to innovate in product development, marketing and research.
Our program is designed to provide you with the practical skills and comprehensive knowledge needed to succeed. You'll engage with cutting-edge research, innovative business practices and a community of like-minded peers and mentors dedicated to pioneering the future of cannabis.
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Plant, Cultivate, Innovate
To be a leader in this field, you need to understand the science of growing cannabis. This is done in our Grow Lab, where you’ll cultivate plants like catnip and tomatoes, which share growth characteristics with cannabis, to understand soil quality, hydroponics and disease management. You’ll also build business proposals and practice pitching your business idea — sometimes to real investors!
In this program, you’ll:
- Gain Comprehensive Industry Knowledge: Understand the historical, legal and social contexts of the cannabis industry, including legislation and policy reform.
- Develop Business Acumen: Learn to create business models, develop marketing strategies and understand finance and investment within the cannabis sector.
- Learn Cultivation Techniques: Acquire hands-on experience in plant cultivation through grow labs, learning about plant science and horticulture related to cannabis and its analogs.
- Explore Product Development: Discover how to create and develop cannabis products, focusing on innovation, market needs and consumer safety.
- Understand Regulatory Compliance: Learn about the regulatory framework governing the cultivation, distribution and sale of cannabis products to ensure compliance.
- Focus on Social Justice: Engage with the social justice aspects of cannabis legalization, including addressing past inequities and developing equitable business practices.
- Grow Your Network: Opportunities to network with industry professionals, potential investors and fellow entrepreneurs throughout your time at JWU.
- Build Business Experience: Participate in creating actual business plans and pitches, potentially leading to real-world contracts and entrepreneurial ventures.
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The Grow Lab
The Grow Lab in the Bowen Center features state-of-the-art equipment, including grow lights, hydroponics and aquaponics. Students are paired with a classmate to share a grow tent, where you’ll perfect your horticultural skills. You’ll use biology and chemistry equipment to analyze soil, plants and properties of cannabis.
Sample Courses
- Cannabis Entrepreneurship
- Small Business Cannabis Operations
- Entrepreneurship Cap Stone (student project investor funded)
- Plant Cultivation I: Soil, Soil Substitutes, and Disease Management
- Plant Cultivation II: Hydroponics, Aquaponics, Tissue Culture, Genetics and Extraction
- Growth and Sustainability for Small Businesses
In addition to classes, free elective credit can be applied to a number of options such as Directed Experiential Education (DEE), internship, minor or study abroad. You are encouraged to contact an advisor before scheduling free elective credits.
Explore the full JWU Catalog course listing:
Career Possibilities
- Cannabis Cultivator
- Dispensary Manager
- Cannabis Product Developer
- Compliance Officer
- Cannabis Industry Consultant
- Marketing Specialist for Cannabis
- Supply Chain Manager
- Research and Development Scientist
Some professions may require additional study, background checks, certifications, licenses, exams and/or experience as required qualifications for employment. Students are responsible for verifying that they can meet the employment requirements of potential employers.
From Concept to Commodity
“As a student, I competed at Sharkfest and my business, Highest Peak Edibles, won second place and the audience vote for ‘most likely to launch.’ I’m happy to say that we’re close to launching and I’m currently partnering with a local cannabis manufacturer to finalize our edible product launch. This major allowed me to truly find my niche inside a rapidly growing industry and make an impact right after graduation. Faculty like Dr. Thorsson and Dr. ‘Bud’ Budziszek have helped me every step of the way and continue to help me grow this business.”
- Jaelynn Accola ’24
Featured Faculty
Our professors and instructors are dedicated to the success of our students. Learn more about our expert faculty members.
Professor
Magnus Thorsson, Ph.D. is an expert in sustainable hotel operations, service-focused marketing and hotel management.
Professor
Associate Professor Budziszek is an expert in topics such as botanical sciences, plant biochemistry, global warming, genetics, biological sciences, and nutrigenomics.
Associate Dean, College of Business
Stephen Pyle has served at Johnson & Wales University for over 30 years. Pyle currently serves as interim Chair of the Management & Marketing departments in the College of Business.
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