College student Grace DeNoya is used to people laughing when they learn what she is studying. Her degree centers on the marijuana plant: an intoxicating drug that is illegal in many parts of the world. “I say, ‘No, it’s a serious degree, a chemistry degree first and foremost. It’s hard work. Organic chemistry is a bear,” the 27 year old told the Associated Press. DeNoya is one of the first students in a new four-year degree program in medicinal plant chemistry at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. The school, known as NMU, is one of an increasing number of colleges and universities that are preparing graduates for careers growing, researching and selling the plants. Schools are answering changes related to the legalization of marijuana in the United States. It is legal for medical purposes in 33 states, and for non-medical use in 10. Lawmakers in other states are considering making marijuana legal.