Niagara College will offer a graduate certificate program in Commercial Cannabis Production in 2018, making it Canada’s first postsecondary credential in the production of commercial cannabis.

The one-year program, which was approved over the summer by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, will prepare graduates to work in the licensed production of cannabis, used as a therapeutic drug, a fiber and as a source for seed oil.

Dan Patterson, the college’s president, said the program aims to address labour-market needs, in the wake of legislative changes in Canada and abroad. The program will be open to up to 25 students who have a diploma or degree from an accredited college or university in agribusiness, agricultural science, environmental science/resource studies, horticulture, natural sciences, or an acceptable combination of education and experience.

“Driven by legislative changes in Canada and abroad, there is a growing labour market need, and education will be a key component of the success of this emerging industry,” Al Unwin, associate dean of Niagara College’s School of Environmental and Horticultural Studies, said.

The Niagara program will conform to all regulations and requirements, including providing a separate and secure learning environment.

“We will not be growing cannabis in our existing greenhouse,” Unwin said. “We will have facilities in place. We’re currently working through the details of that with licensed providers.”

In addition to Niagara College, Maryland pharmacy school started offering a certificate in cannabis studies, and Southern Colorado introduced the country’s first cannabis-funded scholarships.