DePaul University, a Catholic institution in Chicago, now offers a cannabis-related course as part of a minor in cannabis studies. A new class titled “community-centric dispensary management” teaches students about the operational side of running a cannabis dispensary, including compliance, personnel management, recordkeeping, and community considerations.
The course is part of a Cannabis Studies minor that DePaul created following the legalization of recreational cannabis in Illinois in 2019. The minor combines academic inquiry with social justice themes and includes electives that cover various aspects of cannabis, from health and culture to business and law.
According to a report, the dispensary management class positions leadership in cannabis retail as “integral to community development,” with coursework that examines operational nuances alongside government regulations and social equity concerns.
The article notes criticism from some experts who argue that colleges should not be teaching marijuana industry management. One critic pointed to potential normalization of cannabis careers and raised concerns about mental and physical health impacts, saying higher education resources should promote prevention and awareness over industry training.
DePaul’s official academic catalog describes the Cannabis Studies minor as multidisciplinary, emphasizing social equity and engagement with communities historically affected by cannabis criminalization. The curriculum includes a range of courses that explore cannabis’s role in society, policy, culture, and business.
The program began with pilot offerings in 2020 and was formally approved as a minor in 2022. The university presents the curriculum as responsive to industry trends and social issues related to cannabis regulation and justice.
This development has sparked discussion about the role of higher education in preparing students for work in the emerging legal cannabis market, particularly given DePaul’s Catholic identity and the broader national debate over drug policy.
