My UMSOP Story: Rebekah Perry, MS ’22, cannabis educational specialist, Rowdy Wellness
Rebekah Perry is a 2022 graduate of the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program. She works for Rowdy Wellness, a cannabidiol (CBD) company that provides Georgia-grown quality hemp products and medical cannabis consultations for patients and physicians. Rebekah is passionate about bridging the gap between physicians and patients using CBD for therapeutic purposes.
What has been your career path up to now? What interested you in learning more about medical cannabis? What was your prior exposure to these topics?
Prior to enrolling in the MCST program, I was working as a neuro exercise physiologist. I had experience working with patients with neurological disorders who benefited from using medical cannabis products. Additionally, from my experience as a college athlete, as well as experience with loved ones, I saw the detrimental effects of opioids leading to addiction and overdose.
What drew you to attend the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP)?
UMSOP is a highly respected school, and the MCST program was the first of its type in the nation.
What were some of the highlights of the program?
The MCST program was inspiring, challenging, and most of all very personally beneficial. The opportunities to connect with and stay connected to my classmates and network with professionals in the medical cannabis industry are invaluable. MCST faculty and staff are extremely supportive and encouraging. Every assignment was directly applicable to my business and future opportunities as a medical cannabis specialist working with patients and physicians. I am viewed as a very educated professional.
How do you plan to apply your knowledge and skills from this program into practice?
With this degree, I am inspired and am striving to make my own lane as a medical cannabis professional.
What is your advice to prospective students who might be considering whether to apply to this program?
If you are passionate about working in the medical cannabis industry, this degree is an essential step in highlighting yourself as an educated professional. Possessing this degree immediately proves your expertise in the highly competitive field of cannabis.
About the MCST program: The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program provides students with the knowledge they need to support patients and the medical cannabis industry, add to existing research, and develop well-informed medical cannabis policy. The two-year program based at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., blends online instruction with face-to-face experiences to prepare graduates to respond to the increasing demand for medical cannabis with an understanding of the basic science and clinical uses of the cannabis plant. Learn more and apply today.