The corner of happy and healthy isn’t always Walgreens. Sometimes, it’s building 80 on Mt. SAC’s very own campus.

For prospective, incoming and current students looking for a leg up in our DIY and YouTube University™ world, starting in 2024 Mt. SAC began offering courses and certificates for Cannabis, and an associate’s degree in Cannabis Operations.

Part of Mt. SAC’s Ornamental Horticulture Program, the branch of plant studies that focuses on domesticated plants … used for decorative and recreational applications, students can find themselves involved in hands-on learning when it comes to cannabis.

While commonly referred to as a gateway drug, cannabis is, “Arguably the oldest crop under cultivation by humans, the oldest known medicine,” professor William Dolphin said, instructor for AGOR:80, while giving an overview of the Cannabis Operations program.

The work of destigmatizing cannabis’s place in both higher education and society, is something Dolphin is particularly familiar with. His book, “The Medicalization of Marijana: Legitimacy, Stigma, and the Patient Experience,” which he co-authored with Michelle Newhart, PhD., is an award winning book explores the concepts of what drives and causes society to frown upon cannabis while highlighting its legitimacy as an aid in medical treatment.

Starting a program like this wasn’t easy as Dolphin had to find educators that both fit the requirements to teach at a college level but also had the experience of teaching cannabis related material. Though difficult, Dolphin was confident and enthusiastic about the programs first year.

Dolphin has taught at the likes of University of California Berkeley, Azusa Pacific University, and Cal Poly Humboldt, the last of which has a similar cannabis program. Mt. SAC, however, has a very unique approach in that it touches on the various aspects surrounding cannabis cultivation and policies.

“It is a more practical focused curriculum, in that not only is there hands on experience with cannabis stand-ins, namely tomatoes and hops, but this [program] includes more of that big picture policy, social history piece,” Dolphin said. And above that, the practicality of the operations aspect of the discipline is what students can expect to really set them apart.

On top of the current practical resources that the Cannabis Operation Program has, Dolphin has also mentioned that Mt. SAC has been working with the department to establish a hemp research program.

“This is a very big deal, because that will allow students to work directly with cannabis plants that are federally legal,” Dolphin said. One of the major draws of such a program is it further equips students with real world, practical knowledge to enter the workforce quickly.

“I’m hopeful that we seem to be on track to have that all approved and get [the hemp research program] started in the fall,” Dolphin said.

Since the program is in its second semester ever, it’s difficult to gauge student success and feelings thus far.

When asked what students can expect, Dolphin said, “To know a whole lot more than they did coming in. [Just] like me, everybody thinks they know quite a lot about cannabis. And a good part of it is wrong.”

The program is not as explored as it could be as stigma from society and other areas continue to hinder its progress, consequently hiding the truth and potential cannabis courses have to offer students and the public at large. The stigma that cannabis has socially, politically, and economically has posed as a hurdle for the program, not just at Mt. SAC, but across the other campuses Dolphin has taught at. Between algorithmic censorship and a lack of media coverage, this legitimate career path is not as trverse as it could be.

This fear and stigma are one of the biggest misconceptions around the program. And while students may be hesitant to study a subject with so much controversy, Dolphin assures that, “It’s a plant. I mean full stop. And that’s one of the things that is, you know, I think challenging for most people. It’s just a plant.”

The Cannabis Operations program at Mt. SAC is, “Designed to help students go into the industry and be competent, educated change makers,” Dolphin said.

Students who are interested in knowing more can visit the Mt. SAC’s Catalog website .