Northern Michigan University's medicinal plant chemistry program is singled out for having the best cannabis degree program in the newly published Readers' Choice Award Winners edition of Michigan GreenState Magazine. Voting was conducted in 2022 to determine readers' top choices in several categories contributing to the state's cannabis culture and economy.
"My colleagues and I are pleased by the recognition this award offers the medicinal plant chemistry program,” said Mark Paulsen, head of the NMU Chemistry Department. “The award reflects the quality of our faculty and facilities, the rigor of our program, and the accomplishments of our students and alumni. I am pleased by how the program has matured and evolved since it was launched, and excited about the future of the program."
When NMU started offering a bachelor's degree in medicinal plant chemistry in the fall of 2017, it was the only four-year degree of its kind to combine experimental horticulture and advanced analytical chemistry with an optional entrepreneurial track. It is designed to prepare students for success in emerging industries related to medicinal plant production, analysis and distribution.
The program combines rigorous coursework in chemistry and biology with research and hands-on instrumental analysis built into the curriculum to prepare its graduates for a career in the cannabis industry. The additional focus on entrepreneurship and laboratory accreditation qualifies graduates to perform instrumental analysis in a laboratory and build their own testing laboratory, dispensary and growing operation.
Find more information about the program here.