Cannabis Studies programs at Beal University: Q&A with Ayanna Rutherford

From diploma to bachelor’s, get into the cannabis field faster

Ayanna Rutherford, adjunct instructor for Cannabis Studies programs at Beal University, has worn many hats – nonprofit executive, cannabis industry consultant, and journalist. But her latest role allows her to merge her multifaceted background with her passion for the ever-evolving cannabis space. Rutherford teaches courses focusing on cannabis business operations, laws and regulations, and product development and innovation.

Q: Ayanna, tell me a little bit about your background, your expertise, your qualifications in the field of cannabis studies.

I started my career in the nonprofit sector, and I did a lot of work with government grants and that kind of stuff. I was an executive director for a while. I always had an interest in cannabis, especially as the industry was evolving.

Someone I was connected with had started working in the space and I had some time. So, it started off working on business plans and understanding the cannabis tax law at the time that was happening in California. Then it just evolved where I worked with consulting firms, did industry work writing articles and interviewed people about the industry when it was still young in 2017. Eventually, I started to grow my own cannabis consulting business.

Q: How did you end up at Beal University?

I contacted Beal. I was curious about the academic side and saw a posting. I am working as an adjunct instructor in the cannabis business side – helping folks understand the laws, regulations, and dispensary operations. I just finished teaching a contemporary cannabis product class on innovative products.

Q: Could you provide an overview of the cannabis studies programs Beal offers?

There is the diploma program, two associate degrees (one in cannabis sciences, one in cannabis business administration), and the 34-month bachelor’s program. All our programs are preparing people for this untapped new world of the cannabis industry that people are still trying to figure it out.

“The bachelor’s really dives into the science of cannabis and the business aspects. It allows you to say, ‘I’ve seriously studied this plant and industry’ when going for jobs at major cannabis companies.”

The diploma gives people an introduction to the cannabis industry and how to get started – practical skills to get into the job market with a stamp showing you understand cannabis businesses.

The associate degrees go a bit deeper – the sciences one is more cultivation and processing focused, while the business side prepares you for entrepreneurship, working in dispensaries, that kind of thing.

The bachelor’s really dives into the science of cannabis and the business aspects. It allows you to say ‘I’ve seriously studied this plant and industry’ when going for jobs at major cannabis companies.

“One thing unique about Beal is being immersed in the whole cannabis industry, not just looking at it in a vacuum.”

Q: As part of the curriculum, does Beal approach cannabis from a cultural or societal perspective, not just scientific and business perspectives?

One thing unique about Beal is being immersed in the whole cannabis industry, not just looking at it in a vacuum. In my contemporary products class, we looked at how to build out cannabis product businesses – that is not something generally offered but gives students hugely practical experience.

Q: For an online program, are there opportunities for applied, hands-on learning?

Yes, we keep students updated on events, meetings, and opportunities to see how the business operates outside of Beal. When New York’s Office of Cannabis Management had a public meeting, I told my regulations students to tune in and see the process in action. We also have students do projects analyzing their state’s cannabis regulations, putting together pitch decks for hypothetical products and businesses — very practical work that some want to pursue further.

“You have to be curious, looking all around, reading everything and following reliable sources”

Q: How do you stay current with such a rapidly evolving industry?

You must be curious, looking all around, reading everything, and following reliable sources to see who will legalize next, if the federal government will reschedule cannabis, and what innovative products and trends are emerging. It is constantly evolving.

Q: Do students get opportunities to engage with the cannabis industry?

Dispensaries have reached out about our students as a hiring pipeline. That is huge to have that direct connection. We encourage students to join relevant cannabis organizations and associations as well to collaborate and enhance their learning.

“We are positioning people for this wide-open new cannabis frontier however their interests lie -plant-touching or peripheral roles, science or business focused.”

Q: What kind of career paths can Beal’s programs lead to?

So many – dispensary and retail roles, cultivation facility and processing jobs, entrepreneurial paths, and ancillary roles like packaging and technology services. We are positioning people for this wide-open new cannabis frontier however their interests lie – plant-touching or peripheral roles, science or business-focused.

Q: How do the regulatory and legal sides factor in?

Hugely important. We have entire courses dedicated to the legal landscape, regulations, and tax considerations. It may not be students’ favorite part, but understanding the rules is critical.

“Our commitment to ensuring students truly grasp concepts and emerge prepared for opportunities sets us apart from universities that are more paper mills, just checking boxes.”

Q: How do Beal’s cannabis programs differ from others?

Our commitment to ensuring students truly grasp concepts and emerge prepared for opportunities sets us apart from universities that are more paper mills, just checking boxes. The depth we go into, offering unique areas like product design, having small class sizes for more personal instruction – Beal takes a comprehensive, practical approach to cannabis education.

Q: Is there an ideal type of student for this field?

I see two personas: The fired-up younger student eager to get into this new, uncharted territory they can build a career in. And the older career-changer who develops a passion for cannabis and wants to transition into the industry. Both groups benefit from the specialized, niche education focusing on the real-world work they will be doing.

About Beal University – Beal University is an accredited university that offers masters, bachelors, and associates degrees and diplomas in an environment that values small class sizes, individualized attention, and hands-on experience. Founded in 1891, Beal University prepares students for careers in fields such as nursing, healthcare and biomedical sciences, cannabis business & sciences, medical assisting, addiction counseling, welding, business, and more. To find out more, visit Beal.edu .