October 7, 2019

Medicine Hat College (MHC) has launched two new courses geared towards the cannabis industry. Cannabis Legislation and Quality Assurance and Seed to Harvest are offered through MHC's Department of Continuing Studies and provide individuals with the core skills required for entry-level employment within the industry.

“The feedback we received from companies, like Aurora Cannabis, was that quality assurance was going to be of high importance to them, and that there was going to be growing opportunities specifically within the harvest teams,” says Shannan Hurlbut, program administrator for continuing studies at MHC. “That’s why we decided to offer this training – it’s an advantage for local job seekers.”

The courses, which can be taken separately or together, were developed by Okanagan College who worked with cannabis industry leaders to design the curriculum. Courses will begin in October. Training is offered during evenings and weekends.

Led by an industry legislation expert, the Cannabis Legislation and Quality Assurance course will give participants insight into the current state of cannabis legislation, the Cannabis Act, and the basics for ensuring government compliance around the production of this product.

Seed to Harvest, taught by a local plant scientist and researcher, provides an introduction to cannabis botany and plant science. The course will offer students an opportunity to explore different varieties of cannabis and learn about growth mediums, as well as the stages of the plant lifecycle.

Hurlbut says the continuing studies department is always seeking opportunities to provide training for new and existing industries within the region. The team is currently delivering courses in renewable energy and pursuing opportunities in hemp.  

For more information, or to register for these courses, visit www.mhc.ab.ca/continuingstudies. To learn more about the growing hemp industry in the region, register for the Hemp & Cannabis Opportunities Conference, hosted by APEX Southeast Alberta on Nov. 22, 2019.