Elk Valley residents who want to work in the cannabis industry can now apply to study at College of the Rockies.
The Cannabis Retail Specialist program will be offered four times a year, with the first course to be administered by the College’s Creston campus in May.
It’s the first cannabis training program in Canada to include a practicum component in a retail outlet and prepares students to interact with both retail and medicinal cannabis consumers.
“We anticipate a boom in cannabis sales this summer once recreational cannabis use is legalized and retail outlets are given licenses to operate,” said Creston campus manager Kim Garety.
“As the retail sale of cannabis in this country is relatively new, we want to ensure that those who are employed in the industry are trained in the specific skills and knowledge they need to effectively serve and educate their customers, to encourage safe use, and to operate a professional and respected business.”
The 26-week program will introduce participants to chemical components, strain characteristics, potential medicinal applications, regulatory requirements, cannabis preparation techniques and methods of administration.
The program content is fully online, making it accessible anywhere in the country, and is appropriate for employment in cannabis retail outlets as well as client care services through licensed producers.
Though current proposed B.C. regulations state medicinal cannabis will only be available through licensed producers, it is anticipated that those looking for cannabis for medicinal reasons may also choose to purchase it from cannabis retail outlets.
The College’s program was developed with input from existing regional cannabis retailers, licensed producers, as well as medical professionals to ensure that those working in retail outlets have some knowledge of the medicinal applications so they can respond effectively to customer demand.
Physician Dr. Joel Kailia from the RISE BC Wellness Centre in Nelson believes in a holistic approach to pain management and feels education is key.
“We need more programs that can teach potential workers about the risks and benefits of cannabis for medical purposes,” he said.
“Cannabis is not a one-stop product that will work for all users and there is definitely an educational factor to be considered,” added Tamara Duggan, owner of Tamarack Dispensaries in Kimberley, BC – the first licensed medical dispensary in Canada.
“This program contains a very comprehensive overview of cannabis and great information for patients and recreational consumers alike.”
Applications are now being accepted for the initial intake of the program, which begins May 13.
Tuition is $1995 per term ($3990 total). Visit cotr.ca/retail-cannabis for more information.