by Jamila Apolinario
Seneca students on the York campus were surprised to learn the college has launched a new course in marijuana.
The legalization of marijuana in Canada in October 2018 opened up opportunities for people who want to work within this fast-growing industry. It has created demand, not just for the product, but also for Cannabis experts.
Seneca launched the first Cannabis graduate certificate in Ontario. The one-year Cannabis Regulation and Quality Assurance(CAQA) course at Seneca@York Campus this Winter semester 2020. This program will educate students about the marijuana plant and its properties, to create expert authorities, as well as medical professionals to give accurate information to the broader public.
"Our program builds on Seneca’s expertise in pharmaceutical and cosmetic regulation and quality assurance,” according to Paola Battiston, Chair, School of Biological Sciences & Applied Chemistry.
“It is unique in that students are being taught by faculty who are either currently working in the industry or have relevant industry experience.” Battison
Seneca students have mixed emotions regarding this program. But most of them are amazed the program exists.
Although they are shocked about the program they also think using the resources for something beneficial is also good for people. Some Seneca students say it is important to learn the pros and cons of the business they can use for the future.
"It doesn't matter your opinion whether you think smoking marijuana is ethical or not by the end of the day it's important to have as much knowledge as possible and this is creating an opportunity for that knowledge." according to Melissa Mihalis.
People who work in the industry say it will look better on your resume if you take this kind of class.
"I think it's a good thing because a lot of people may have experience in cannabis but don't necessarily have scientific knowledge," says Miranda Ballantyne, who is a manager at a cannabis dispensary at Yonge and Dundas.
Ballantyne advised CAQA students to "get their feet wet as soon as possible. There are a lot of opportunities in retail or licence producers because it's new. and in a couple of years, there will be a lot of changes in the industry. So the earliest you can get in the industry, you will become a pioneer."
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