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 .
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom