CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Oakton Community College, in Des Plaines, has announced it’s the first community college in the state to build a marijuana cultivation lab. But there’s a catch.
Oakton Community College will build a nearly 3,000-square-foot marijuana cultivation lab on its Des Plaines campus, giving students a hands-on experience. But, federal law will prevent them from cultivating marijuana, said Oakton’s Vice President for Academic Affairs Ilio Lott.
"But there are plants that are very similar in cellular structure that will provide students the academic background they need to enter this space," he said.
Oakton President Joianne Smith said students will initially train with plants that are "botanically identical" to cannabis in the lab; plants such as hemp or even tomato plants.
"As laws evolve, the infrastructure of this lab will prepare us to transition to incorporating cannabis into our curriculum," she said.
The cannabis company, PharmaCann, donated $600,000 for the program.
"We are now working together to create the next generation of leaders in our growing cannabis industry," said Brett Novey, CEO of PharmaCann.
"We also share a steadfast commitment to social-equity priorities. We are beginning to develop a pipeline of highly skilled candidates from disproportionately impacted communities."
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The school earmarked $50,000 from the donation for the PharmaCann Scholarship for Cannabis Education Programs. Priority for the scholarships will be given to students of color, people adversely affected by prior marijuana laws, and victims of domestic violence.
In 2019, Oakton launched the first cannabis-specific academic program in Illinois.
Construction of the lab is expected to begin in July and be completed in time for the semester beginning in January 2022.
Starting next year, Oakton will offer a 12-credit hour hands-on program covering all aspects of the marijuana industry.