Niagara College announced the launch of a post-graduate certificate program in Commercial Cannabis Production (CCP) on Sept. 19. The program will start in fall 2018.
According to a press release, the launch of the one-year post-graduate program is in response to a “need for skilled graduates who are knowledgeable in the complex regulations and requirements of an emerging industry.”
Alan Unwin, associate dean of Niagara College’s school of environmental and horticultural studies, said in an email that there is a demand for highly-skilled and well trained graduates of the CPP program.
“We are responding to a real need for this in the industry and are confident that there are career opportunities that will be available once students have completed this program,” he said.
The program, which was approved by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development over the summer, is Canada’s first post-secondary credential in producing cannabis commercially, according to the press release.
According to the college’s website, admission requirements include an Ontario College Diploma, an advanced diploma, a degree or equivalent in the areas of horticulture, greenhouse technology, or related disciplines, as well as proof of English proficiency.
According to the Toronto Star, last year, the French-language college in New Brunswick, College Communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick, announced its plans for a medical cannabis technician program.
In addition, applicants for Niagara College’s program must be at least 19 years of age at the start of the program and must undergo a police check to ensure they will be able to apply for an Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) license in order to participate in the work placement portion of the program. Unwin said the benefits of this program are that it will provide licensed producers with skilled growers as well as create more compliance with existing and future growers that are well-versed in the regulations of the industry.
The program will provide training in both the biology and cultural practices of cannabis production, according to the college’s website. It will include instruction on plant nutrition, environment, lighting, climate control, pest control and selecting the best characteristics for the plant.
“There will be a big focus on the hands-on experience of growing Cannabis from start to finish including post-harvest process (drying/curing) of the bud,” Unwin said.
Recently, the Ontario government announced its framework to manage the sale and use of marijuana, consisting of 150 stand-alone stores operated by the LCBO and an online ordering services, according to CBC News.
The federal government has also made the promise to legalize marijuana by July 2018.
When asked about changes in legalization and its effect on the program, Unwin said the college will continue to rely on their network of licensed producers to monitor any changes that may require adjustments to the program.
Student can begin to apply in early October to the first intake program next fall, once it is available through the Ontario College Application Service website, according to Unwin. He said a maximum of 24 students will be accepted into the program.
—With files from Shannon Lee
Photo by The Charlatan
