Shaping the Digital Future of Cannabis: Grady Moore, MS ’21
Grady Moore, MS ’21, is director of search engine optimization (SEO) at PufCreativ, one of the nation’s leading cannabis marketing agencies. He leads search strategy and optimization efforts to help cannabis brands grow their digital presence.
What has your career path been up to now?
My career has centered around SEO and digital marketing for 13 years, spanning a wide range of environments including Fortune 500 companies, early-stage startups, and fast-paced agency settings. About nine years ago, I became involved in the cannabis industry, where the complexity and constant evolution was immediately exciting. I’ve always been drawn to the analytical side of business; every organization has numbers that tell a story if you know how to read them. In my current role as director of SEO at PufCreativ, I work across a diverse client portfolio, which presents new challenges every day. I thrive in roles that require creative problem-solving and adaptability.
How does cannabis rescheduling affect your role or industry?
While rescheduling is only an initial step, it signals meaningful progress toward normalizing cannabis as a regulated industry. This shift will help reduce long-standing stigma and create space for more inclusive participation, research, and public education.
What interested you in pursuing graduate education about medical cannabis and therapeutics?
I had already been working in the cannabis industry for a few years when I first learned about the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. The moment I heard about it, I knew it was something I wanted to pursue. I’ve always been deeply passionate about cannabis literacy and responsible education, especially in an industry that has long been shaped by misinformation and stigma. The opportunity to formally study the science and therapeutic foundations behind cannabis felt like a natural next step, both personally and professionally. I saw it as a way to better equip myself with credible, science-based knowledge that could elevate both my work and the conversations I was having professionally.
What was your prior exposure to these topics?
Before entering the MS program, my exposure to the cannabis industry came primarily from work experience and self-directed learning. I had a solid grasp of foundational concepts, terminology, and real-world applications, but much of that knowledge was informal. The MS in MCST program helped bridge the gap between practical exposure and true subject-matter understanding. It allowed me to move beyond surface-level familiarity and develop the confidence to clearly explain complex concepts to others. That shift, from knowing about something to being able to teach it, was incredibly impactful.
How has the MS in MCST program contributed to your growing success in your career?
The MS in MCST program has played a significant role in my professional growth within the cannabis industry. Because the field is still evolving, there are limited ways for professionals to formally “demonstrate” their expertise in cannabis science. This degree gave me the ability to approach discussions with confidence and credibility, grounded in evidence rather than opinion. It removed the need for a “just trust me” approach and replaced it with validated knowledge. It has opened doors, strengthened client trust, and allowed me to contribute at a higher strategic level in my work.
Why does advanced education in medical cannabis matter now?
As cannabis becomes more accessible and regulated, advanced education is essential to ensure decisions are guided by science rather than stigma or misinformation. A deeper understanding of medical cannabis will help elevate standards across health care, policy, and industry.
What drew you to attend the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP)?
UMSOP was the first institution to offer an accredited graduate degree focused specifically on cannabis science, which immediately set it apart. That level of academic rigor and credibility mattered to me, especially in an emerging field like cannabis. I wanted to learn from a program that was defining the standard rather than reacting to it. Additionally, speaking with then program director, Dr. Leah Sera, about the MS in MCST, UMSOP’s reputation, and the commitment to evidence-based education made the decision an easy one.
What was your experience like in the MS in MCST program?
I genuinely loved the experience. While graduate school is demanding by nature, studying something I was deeply passionate about made the workload feel purposeful rather than burdensome. The coursework challenged me to think critically and approach cannabis from multiple perspectives, including scientific, medical, and regulatory viewpoints. It pushed me to refine how I communicate complex information and defend ideas with evidence. Overall, it was rewarding both professionally and intellectually as well as personally fulfilling.
What is your advice to prospective students who might be considering whether to apply to this program?
Committing two years to a graduate program in a rapidly changing industry can feel intimidating, and that hesitation is completely understandable. I’ve spoken with many prospective students since graduating, and my advice is always the same: if you’re passionate about cannabis and its future, the MS in MCST program is absolutely worth it. Whether you’re just entering the industry or already working within it, UMSOP’s program provides a strong foundation that accelerates growth. It equips you to become a trusted source of information in a space that needs informed voices. Ultimately, it’s an investment not just in education, but in long-term credibility.