Students enrolled in the “Horticultural Plant Production” Bachelor’s program at the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt can now study cannabis in-depth. The curriculum has recently been expanded to include the principles of breeding and production. Germany’s new cannabis law went into force on April 1. Adults may now legally possess and grow cannabis under specific restrictions according to this regulation. Customers can also purchase cannabis from associations that cultivate non-commercially. For science and research, the partial legalization of cannabis is also important. In Germany, there are still relatively few universities that concentrate on cannabis research and instruction. The University of Applied Sciences Erfurt is one of these.For several years now, there has been an increasing interest in the plant among students of the horticulture program – primarily as medicinal hemp, according to Wim Schwerdtner, head of the horticulture program. “With the removal of cannabis from the Narcotics Act and increasing societal acceptance, the demand for cannabis products is also rising. However, there is almost no professional production in Germany, and no scientific education and research. We aim to change that,” says Schwerdtner, who answers key questions about studying cannabis:
Why is the plant interesting for research?
In the horticulture program, students generally work with fruit, vegetables, ornamental plants, and tree nurseries. This also involves improving plants through breeding, for example, to make them more productive or resilient. “
Cannabis has been banned from cultivation for many years – meaning we don’t know much about the plant, even though we are now facing increasing demand,” the University’s professor explained.But, to stay on the safe side and prevent break-ins, the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt will completely focus on THC-free hemp on their campus. The biology of the plant is the same, so it makes no difference in cultivation which variety we grow. The university generally focuses its scientific training on the production, breeding, and propagation of plants – not their utilization.
What can students expect?
Everything from hemp breeding and propagation to cultivation methods and marketing tactics is covered in these optional topics. With an emphasis on experiential learning, field and greenhouse experiments centered around industrial cannabis production will provide you with real-world exposure. The curriculum is focused on THC-free cannabis (EU-certified industrial hemp with THC <0.2%) due to legal considerations. The program is taught in German, international candidates must apply through Uni-Assist and demonstrate C1 proficiency in the language.Anyone who meets the enrollment requirements, meaning they have the necessary university entrance qualification and have completed an eight-week preliminary internship in a horticultural business or have a completed horticultural vocational training. Otherwise, the program is admission-free, meaning anyone who applies by September 15 gets a place.
What job potential arises from studying cannabis?
As the only university, the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt was represented at Europe’s largest cannabis fair, “Mary Jane” in Berlin, with 400 exhibitors and around 40,000 visitors. The response to this study program was very positive. Anyone who wants to produce and market cannabis at the moment needs well-qualified personnel. However, this has not been possible to train due to the prevailing bans.