Weed 101: New B.C. college program teaches retail side of pot

A college in the B.C. Interior is responding to the anticipated legalization of marijuana by launching a newcourse dedicated to the retail side of pot sales.

The Cannabis Retail Specialist program will be a 26-week online course with a practicum component. It launches in May through the College of the Rockies in Creston, B.C.

"It's essentially training for employment in the emerging cannabis industry. So preparing retail workers and those working in client care," campus manager Kim Garetysaidto CBC Daybreak South host Chris Walker.

"I think the focus has largely been on the production end of it in the education area, so this program is a little bit unique."

She said students will learn about the botany of the plant, the physiology of the human body, strain characteristics, potential medicinal applications and current Health Canada regulations.

The program content is fully online, making it accessible from anywhere in the country, she said.

'Comprehensive overview of cannabis'

It isn't theonly cannabis course in Canada Kwantlen Polytechnic University, on B.C.'s Lower Mainland,offers an online course in cannabis production, marketing and financing, whileDurham College in Ontariooffers a two-day introduction to cannabis and New Brunswick Community College teaches cultivation.

However, Garetysaid the College of the Rockies' program is the first cannabis training program in Canada thatincludes a practicum component in which students gain experience working ata retail outlet.

"It's not intended to be a business-end course; it's intended to train people who are going to be dealing with customers in that environment," she said.

The college's program was developed with input from existing regional cannabis retailers, licensed producers, as well as medical professionals.

"This program contains a very comprehensive overview of cannabis and great information for patients and recreational consumers alike," said Tamara Duggan, owner of Tamarack Dispensaries in Kimberley, BC.

The Cannabis Retail Specialist program will be offered four times per year tuition is $3,990.00.

With files from CBC's Daybreak South and Chris Walker.