The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (PIT) is set to launch its first four-year degree program in cannabis business studies this summer, aiming to prepare students for careers in the rapidly expanding cannabis market, valued at approximately $38.5 billion in the United States.
Lou Giannotti, the program director and a registered pharmacist, outlined that the curriculum will cover various aspects of the cannabis industry, with a focus on the essential ancillary businesses that support both medical and adult-use cannabis sectors. The program will provide students with business course instruction and opportunities for internships, equipping them to become leaders within the cannabis industry.
PIT’s Bachelor of Science in cannabis business is designed to develop specialized knowledge in business, law, and science as it pertains to cannabis. Classes are set to commence on July 14, and enrollment is currently open for both virtual and in-person courses.
Giannotti emphasized that the cannabis industry requires professionals who understand its social, legal, medical, and business dimensions. He noted that, with few institutions offering similar bachelor’s degrees nationally, PIT is poised to fill a significant gap in cannabis education. The college already offers associate degrees in cannabis business, cannabis horticulture, and cannabis health therapy.
The program director also expressed hope for future cannabis legalization in Pennsylvania, including provisions for home cultivation. As neighboring states like Delaware, New York, and New Jersey have decriminalized cannabis, Giannotti pointed out that legalization could yield numerous benefits, including increased tax revenue for public services and the creation of thousands of jobs across various sectors.
“Legal cannabis sales generate substantial tax income for governments, which can then fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” Giannotti explained. “The industry also creates jobs in cultivation, retail, distribution, and support services such as marketing and compliance.”
Sydney Hays, a cannabis studies professor at PIT, highlighted the vast opportunities in the field. With her background in horticulture and medicinal education, she noted, “There are endless possibilities for our students; they can really do anything.”
Holly Porter, a graduate of PIT’s cannabis horticulture program, praised the educational experience, mentioning how the program equipped her with valuable knowledge about plant growth and soil health. Porter, who aims to enroll in the new bachelor’s program, remarked on the importance of understanding the contemporary challenges in cultivation due to environmental factors.
Arlo Cameron, a current student in cannabis horticulture, echoed the sentiment regarding the medicinal benefits of cannabis and the diverse career paths available through PIT’s offerings.
In addition to cannabis studies, PIT provides degrees in various fields such as nursing, healthcare management, business, and psychology. The college reports that over 90% of its students receive financial aid, with 60% being first-generation college graduates.
Matt Meyers, the college president, stated that PIT is committed to empowering students to become influential figures in the expanding cannabis industry. Enrollment at PIT has surged 55% over the past five years, growing from 906 students in 2020 to 1,405. A significant renovation project, funded by a $3.9 million donation from the Walter R. Garrison Foundation, is set to break ground this fall to further enhance the college’s educational facilities.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, PIT’s new degree program aims to equip a new generation of professionals with the necessary skills to succeed in this burgeoning field.
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