Katelyn Golsby, a UMass Law librarian and alumna, recently shared her experiences of developing and teaching a cannabis business law course in an article published by AALL Spectrum Magazine. In the piece titled My First Rodeo, Golsby details her journey from conception to execution, balancing her role as a librarian with the demands of creating and teaching a law course on the rapidly changing cannabis industry.
The Idea Behind the Course
The journey to developing the Cannabis Business Law course began with an unexpected spark of inspiration. While working as a law librarian at Florida International University (FIU), Golsby received an article from a colleague about the SAFER Banking Act. This act allows financial institutions to provide services to cannabis-related businesses in states where cannabis use is legal.
The article ignited a realization for Golsby: law is constantly evolving, and cannabis laws were changing particularly fast. “Laws generally change, but some topics of law change more often and faster than others,” she noted. This realization led her to think about the unique challenges that lawyers face in staying updated on cannabis laws, especially in states where the legal landscape was rapidly shifting.
Overcoming Challenges in Course Development
The initial conception of the course was, like many academic ventures, full of uncertainties. Golsby found herself navigating new terrain, unsure of how to structure the course or whether there would be enough interest among students. To her surprise, the class, initially capped at 15 students, quickly expanded to 33, both thrilling and overwhelming her. This spike in enrollment propelled Golsby into a journey of research, resource development, and curriculum adjustments.
While her growing class size presented challenges, Golsby embraced the opportunity to develop an engaging and comprehensive curriculum. “It was a humbling experience,” she said. “At times, I found myself on the other side of the classroom, learning just as much as the students.” The experience of balancing a full-time librarian role with the responsibilities of teaching was no easy feat, but Golsby found support from FIU’s law school and library, which played a crucial role in her success.
The Course: Cannabis Business Law at FIU
Today, the Cannabis Business Law course is an established offering at FIU, now available for graded credit. The class covers various aspects of cannabis law, focusing on the unique legal and business challenges faced by companies operating in states with legal cannabis markets.
FIU’s library and law school provided Golsby with the resources and mentorship she needed to bring the course to life. Reflecting on the support she received, Golsby emphasized how important it was to have a collaborative environment. The experience has led her to encourage other law librarians to take the leap into teaching. “I urge other librarians to consider taking their first steps in teaching doctrinal courses,” she said, adding that the challenge of course creation is an incredibly rewarding experience.
Key Takeaways for Law Librarians
Golsby’s article also offers practical advice for other law librarians interested in teaching doctrinal courses. Some of her key takeaways include:
- Start Small, Think Big: Golsby suggests that librarians begin by testing the waters with smaller, manageable courses before expanding them.
- Leverage Available Resources: Collaborating with law school faculty and using library resources is crucial when creating a new course.
- Stay Flexible: The fast-paced nature of cannabis law means that course content must be continually updated to stay relevant.
Golsby’s story highlights the dynamic role that law librarians can play in legal education. By combining her expertise in research with a passion for teaching, she was able to develop a course that addresses an emerging and rapidly evolving field of law.
