Pubdate: Tue, 25 Aug 2015 Source: Metro (Vancouver, CN BC) Copyright: 2015 Metro Canada Contact: http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3775 Author: Daniel Hendriksen Page: 14 KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC BLAZING A NEW TRAIL Working closely with industry leaders on course material has ensured students will receive accurate information on this highly regulated industry. Those interested in starting their own medical marijuana business can officially take classes to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Starting in September, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) will be offering two seven-week professional courses aimed at teaching students about what it takes to run a successful marijuana business. KPU is the first university in Canada to offer courses involving the medical marijuana industry. The courses will be delivered online, and taught by Canadian National Medical Marijuana Association executive director Deepak Anand, and Tegan Adams, business development manager at Ex-perchem Laboratories. The industry of medical marijuana has been experiencing rapid growth in Canada, and it is for that reason that these courses fill a niche, said Jim Pelton, executive director of continuing and professional studies at KPU. "Medical marijuana is in the news everyday, and it's an evolving industry that's growing very rapidly," Pelton said in a media release. "KPU is certainly blazing a trail in terms of helping people navigate the business and professional landscape of managing medical marijuana in Canada." Students who register for the courses will learn about plant production, facility management theory, becoming a licensed producer, marketing, sales, patient acquisition strategies, medical conditions and drug development processes. The courses were developed with significant input from industry experts. "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 Ex-perchem Laboratories," Adams said. "KPU is in an excellent position to offer the course to anyone, anytime." "Working closely with industry leaders on course material has ensured students will receive accurate information on this highly regulated industry," Anand said. "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." For more information, please visit www.kpu.ca/cps . - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom