Roanoke College students will soon get the opportunity to learn and even earn a degree in cannabis studies, after approval from school faculty. 
Dr. DB Poli
This will make Roanoke College the first college in Virginia to offer a four-year degree in the field of cannabis studies, according to the school.
Come this August, students will be able to declare either a major or a minor in cannabis studies. Awaiting them in the program are two tracks: one on the science of cannabis and the other on the social justice and policy around cannabis.
The science track will teach students about the biology, botany, and chemistry of cannabis, while the social justice and policy track will dive into matters of relating to the history and governmental regulations.
Although students will learn more about different topics depending on which track they eventually choose, all program participants will receive the same core education at first, said biology professor Dr. DorothyBelle “DB” Poli, lead designer for Roanoke’s cannabis studies program and soon-to-be program director.
“Natural scientists should understand the social context and human implications of what they're studying; humanists and social scientists need to be scientifically literate to better understand and communicate about scientific issues that have an impact on how we live our lives,” said Dr. Kathy Wolfe, vice president for academic affairs & dean of the college at Roanoke.
As early as the program’s first course, students will be taught about policy issues, incarceration, criminal justice, and racial bias as it relates to cannabis, Poli said.
