METRO VANCOUVER —Kwantlen Polytechnic University is the first institution in the country to jump into the budding medical marijuana industry with new online courses.
This fall KPU is launching two marijuana-related seven-week courses - one on plant production and facility management, the other on marketing, sales and drug development.
"Medical marijuana is in the news every day, and it's an evolving industry that's growing very rapidly. KPU is certainly blazing a trail in terms of helping people navigate the business and professional landscape of managing medical marijuana in Canada," said Jim Pelton, executive director of continuing and professional studies at KPU.
Both programs were developed with input from the industry including the Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association, and its executive director Deepak Anand.
"Working closely with industry leaders on course material has ensured students will receive accurate information on this highly regulated industry," said Anand in a release.
The courses will be taught by Anand and Tegan Adams, business development manager at Experchem Laboratores - a Health-Canada-accredited testing lab and regulatory consulting company.
Adams said the course will bridge the agricultural production of marijuana with the pharmaceutical goods production and practices necessary to abide by regulations.
"Growers and investors both need people who understand regulated facility management, quality assurance and standard operating procedures. That's what this course will provide."
The courses will cover everything from how to become a licensed producer and sales to medical conditions and drug development processes.
Each course costs $1,250 and registration is now open.
For more information visit Kpu.ca/cps/medical-marijuana.