Magnus Thorsson (he/him)
Professor College of Hospitality & Business Department of Business Providence
Biography
Magnus Thorsson, Ph.D., is a professor at Johnson & Wales University with more than three decades of experience spanning hospitality, entrepreneurship and higher education. Before entering academia, he held management positions with leading hospitality and specialty-food organizations and spent 11 years owning and operating a Vermont country inn. He holds degrees in culinary arts, hospitality management and education, as well as a Ph.D. in Hospitality Management from Iowa State University. His teaching and research focus on entrepreneurship, consumer behavior, sustainability and the evolving cannabis industry.
Education
PhD, Iowa State University
Apparel, Events, & Hospitality Management
MA, Bennington College
Teaching
“Cannabis loyalty isn’t built on THC, it’s built on trust.” Thorsson, M. (June 23, 2026)
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/cannabis-loyalty-isnt-built-on-thc-its-built-on-trust/616592/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“Will rescheduling revive medical cannabis? It depends on the state.” Thorsson, M. (June 8, 2026)
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/will-rescheduling-revive-medical-cannabis/616244/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“How behavioral science is reshaping cannabis retail.” Thorsson, M. (2025)
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/how-behavioral-science-is-reshaping-cannabis-retail/406501/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“THC drinks make dispensaries the next logical stop. Are you ready?.” Thorsson, M. (2025)
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/thc-drinks-dispensaries/406808/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“Why the hemp-derived THC debate demands clarity, not a ban.” Thorsson, M. (November 21, 2025)
https://mjbizdaily.com/news/why-the-hemp-derived-thc-debate-demands-clarity-not-a-ban/408202/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
“What Harley Davidson has in Common with the Cannabis Industry.” Thorsson, M. (February 7, 2025)
https://mjbizdaily.com/what-cannabis-industry-has-in-common-with-harley-davidson/
“Cannabis Education.” Thorsson, M. (2024)
“Four o’clock news.” Thorsson, M. (November 27, 2023)
https://www.wpri.com/video/community-focus-dr-magnus-thorsson/9205098/
“Rhode Island’s Budding Recreational Cannabis Industry.” Thorsson, M. (March 31, 2023)
https://providenceonline.com/stories/rhode-islands-budding-recreational-cannabis-industry,100528
“Community focus Cannabis.” Thorsson, M. (December 12, 2022)
https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/community-focus/community-focus-jwus-dr-magnus-thorsson/
“Green industry emerging.” Thorsson, M. (April 9, 2021)
https://www.providencejournal.com/story/opinion/columns/2021/04/09/opinion-thorsson-and-budziszek-states-see-green-emerging-cannabis-industry/7093876002/
“Legal Cannabis.” Thorsson, M. (March 16, 2021)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDJ6jO_pipY
“American Johnson & Wales University to Launch CBD Entrepreneurship Program.” Thorsson, M. (December 10, 2020)
https://cbd.market/news/american-johnson-wales-university-to-launch-cbd-entrepreneurship-program
“jwu-to-offer-degree-in-cannabis-entrepreneurship.” Thorsson, M. (December 2, 2020)
/jwu-to-offer-degree-in-cannabis-entrepreneurship
“Coming soon to a college in Rhode Island: Cannabis 101.” Thorsson, M. (December 2, 2020)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/02/metro/coming-soon-college-rhode-island-cannabis-101/
Thorsson, M. (March 12, 2026). The Experience Framework. (Book).
48 Hour Books.
New England Convention, “Cannabis Education and Wellness,” NECANN, Boston, MA, United States. (March 22, 2025).
Hemp for the Future, “Cannabis Wellness,” Icelandic Hemp Collaborative, Kopavogur, Iceland. (October 24, 2024).
Cannabis Curriculum Convening, “Stockton University’s 3rd Cannabis Curriculum Convening,” Stockton University, Stockton, NJ. (April 14, 2023).
RI Cultivators Classic, “Demand Management,” Mother Earth Wellness, Pawtucket, RI. (March 14, 2023).
Expertise
entrepreneurship; cannabis; sustainability; climate change; consumer motivations