Professor of Biology Ekaterina Sedia, who also serves as coordinator of the cannabis studies minor, noted that Stockton University was the first in the state to offer the minor, which it launched in 2019.
The institute will focus on developing research focusing on hemp cultivation practices, non-medical cannabis research, lab testing, and the creation of hemp and cannabis educational material.
Initially, the CHRIS testing lab will focus on providing testing services to hemp growers, processors, and manufacturers. The university said that while New Jersey was the third state to institute guidelines for hemp cultivation, the state’s industry remains in the nascent stages.
Robert Mejia, an adjunct professor of cannabis studies, said that “Hemp was an important part of America’s past and we’d like to make it an important part of America’s future.”