Course will discuss the basic life cycle of the plant/plant properties, and the natural origins and evolution of cannabis. Course will also include topics related to how cannabis influenced commercial, medical, ritual and religious practices in culture. Writing assignments, as appropriate are part of the course.

The course will discuss current policy parameters, legal responsibilities and ethical issues of the cannabis industry. Writing assignments, as appropriate are part of the course.

Dispensary Operations including the logistical concepts that relate to inventory control, distribution, packaging, transfer, and auditing. It will also cover medicinal marijuana dispensing, OSHA 10hr General Industry and Responsible Vendor training. Writing assignments, as appropriate are part of the course.

Training in professional skills required in the cannabis industry, based on the provisions stipulated by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Instruction in the following skills: industry software, emotional intelligence, resume development, cover letter writing, job searching, networking, interviewing, and portfolio development. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Exploration of the inequitable history of cannabis prohibition and harms done to communities over time. Examination of restorative justice practices for empowering early career cannabis professionals. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

The basics of quality assurance and compliance in the cannabis industry, including an introduction to analytical methods for quality control. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Examination of the cultivation, harvesting, processing, refinement, and product analysis methods for cannabis, including marijuana and hemp. An overview of chemical extraction, distillation, and purification techniques. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

Introduction to hemp as an agronomic and horticultural crop. Agronomic principles pertaining to industrial hemp as a field crop are explored, including the cultivation, management, harvesting, and environmental impact of hemp grown for fiber and seed production. Relevant cannabis regulations, business models, and social equity programs will be explored. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

History of medicinal and cultural practices of cannabis and the modern use of the plant from a clinical perspective. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.

This course will review the chemical compounds of the cannabis plant. Review of the mechanisms of cannabis molecular compounds, specifically, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids structure and function in the cannabis plant and their interaction with the human endocannabinoid system. Writing assignments, as appropriate to the discipline, are part of the course.