Metro Vancouver, B.C. – British Columbia's Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will be the first institution in Canada to deliver much-needed education to professionals entering a budding industry.
Starting in September, the university will launch two seven-week professional courses to guide students through the opportunities and challenges of the country’s rapidly expanding medical marijuana industry.
Delivered entirely online, the courses are available Canada-wide and open to students across provinces and around the world. The continuing and professional studies courses are designed to provide the necessary understanding of production facility management, legalities and regulations, medical conditions and drug development processes.
“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.
The courses – ‘Plant Production and Facility Management’ and ‘Marketing, Sales and Drug Development’ – were developed with significant input from industry, including the Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association (CNMMA) 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. With its extensive understanding of the medical marijuana industry, the CNMMA readily agreed to help facilitate the curriculum development for the course, the first of its kind in Canada,” said Anand.
The courses will be taught by Anand and Tegan Adams, the business development manager at Experchem Laboratories – a Health Canada-accredited testing lab and regulatory consulting company. Adams also played an important role in developing the curriculum and bringing it to KPU.
“It’s exciting to see a Canadian university take the lead in education and training for the emerging industry of medical marijuana in our country. This course will bridge the agricultural production of marijuana with the pharmaceutical good production practices necessary to abide with Health Canada’s regulations – enhancing the credibility and effectiveness of the industry as a whole,” said Adams. “Growers and investors both need people who understand regulated facility management, quality assurance and standard operating procedures. That’s what this course will provide.”
“Flexible for all learners, students can expect to actively engage in problem-based learning techniques, participate in online teaching and discussion forums, and access resources such as the CNMMA and Experchem Laboratories. KPU is in an excellent position to offer the course to anyone, anytime,” she added.
The courses will cover many aspects related to the professional management of marijuana for medical purposes, including: plant production, facility management theory, becoming a licensed producer, marketing, sales, patient acquisition strategies, medical conditions and drug development processes.
Registration is now open. Each course will cost approximately $1,250.The courses will be taught online and each will be seven weeks in duration. The first course is set to start in September.
More information is available here.
KPU offers a range of continuing and professional studies courses that allow lifelong learners to continue their education, upgrade specific skills or discover something new. For more information, visit kpu.ca/cps.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has been serving the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 people. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs, including business, liberal arts, science, design, health, trades and technology, horticulture, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 124 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at www.kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
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