Nov 22
Oct 23, 2019
(Left to right) Dr. Kimberly Muller, Dean of the College of Innovation and Solutions; Dr. Rodney Hanley, LSSU President; Andrew Brisbo, Executive Director of the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency; Dr. Lynn Gillette, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Steven Johnson, Dean of the College of Science & the Environment.
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University welcomed Andrew Brisbo, Executive Director of the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency (MRA), to campus for a seminar on Marijuana Regulation in Michigan. The MRA oversees the development of the burgeoning cannabis industry in Michigan. Students, faculty, administration, and members of the community attended the seminar to hear Brisbo speak.
“As Executive Director of the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency, Director Brisbo’s discussion on the current state of marijuana regulation, was an invaluable experience for our cannabis chemistry and cannabis business students,” said Dr. Steven Johnson, Dean of the College of Science & the Environment. “It was very exciting to see the LSSU and Sault Sainte Marie community come together for this question and answer session.”
Brisbo’s seminar focused around the mission of the MRA, which is to establish Michigan as the national model for a regulatory program, stimulating business growth while preserving safe consumer access to marijuana.
“My focus is to employ people that understand this mission and want to be a part of making sure this program succeeds,” stated Brisbo. “Not just on a Michigan level but always forward-thinking as to how Michigan can be a leader in this industry from a government perspective, from an industry perspective, and from a consumer safety perspective.”
“During his visit, Director Brisbo spoke with faculty, students, and staff about the current state of the industry in Michigan and where he sees it heading in the future. Because of the rapidly changing nature of the industry, it is important that we continually look ahead to the future,” said Dr. Kimberly Muller, Dean of the College of Innovation and Solutions.
While on campus, Brisbo met with Dr. Rodney Hanley, LSSU President, Dr. Lynn Gillette, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Muller, and Dr. Johnson to discuss both the Cannabis Chemistry and Cannabis Business degrees. Brisbo also met with students in the cannabis chemistry program and toured the Cannabis Center of Excellence, which features over $2 million of Agilent analytical instrumentation for student coursework and research.
“We are excited to be a pioneering institute of cannabis education and honored to have Director Brisbo on our campus today,” said Dr. Rodney Hanley, LSSU President. “Education is about forging ahead and discovering new and innovative ways to create a better tomorrow, and that is what our faculty, staff, and students are doing each day.”
As a progressive university in cannabis education, LSSU is looking at opportunities to assist the MRA and continue to be a leader in cannabis study, preparing students to succeed in the developing marijuana industry.
“This emerging industry requires the brightest minds to take charge and lead the way. There is a demand for innovative chemists who are able to use the proper testing methods to look for harmful pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other contaminants,” Dr. Johnson stated. “Our graduates will help to ensure the safety of Michigan’s residents as well as encourage the growth of the marijuana industry at a safe and sustainable level.”