University of Utah offers unique feminist cannabis studies course
- The University of Utah has introduced a course entitled Feminist Cannabis Studies through its Gender Studies program.
- The course explores the history of cannabis prohibition and its connections to gender, race, and class.
- This initiative represents a shift in academic approaches to studying cannabis, addressing cultural, social, and political intricacies.
In the United States, the University of Utah is making strides in academic education through its introduction of a new course titled Feminist Cannabis Studies. This upper-division course is offered as part of the Gender Studies program and draws on an interdisciplinary framework to analyze cannabis from various socio-political angles. As society increasingly scrutinizes drug policies, the course aims to reevaluate the historical narratives surrounding cannabis prohibition and the legalization movements while intersecting these issues with gender, race, and class dynamics. Dr. Magaly Ordoñez leads the class and emphasizes exploring the influence of marginalized communities, specifically LGBTQ+ and Communities of Color, in shaping cannabis culture and activism. The curriculum covers topics such as the intersections of race, gender, and class with cannabis use, the history of cannabis-related policies, and the societal implications of these regulations. Furthermore, the course aims to provide a deeper understanding of how cannabis has been utilized culturally, medicinally, and spiritually by these groups over time. The initiative reflects a broader trend within academia to address contemporary issues through a lens that recognizes the complexity of identity and cultural significance. In particular, Ordoñez’s focus on queer and Latinx communities aims to bring attention to overlooked contributions to cannabis culture and the continuing impacts of the War on Drugs, primarily driven by U.S. policy. This new educational approach seeks not only to inform students about cannabis but also to instill a sense of agency regarding societal inequalities embedded in drug legislation. The launch of this course aligns with a growing recognition of the need for courses that challenge traditional narratives and engage with the activism surrounding cannabis reform. By incorporating feminist perspectives and intersectional analyses, institutions like the University of Utah are paving the way for a more inclusive understanding of cannabis policy and its implications in society, ultimately fostering critical conversations among students about historical injustices and modern-day implications.