Online courses covering a range of topics in the cannabis industry will be offered through College Boreal in anticipation of the upcoming legalization of its sale and use in Canada.

“These courses will focus on the production, sale of and marketing of cannabis and the financing of a cannabis business,” the college said in a release. “Each course is given over an eight-week period.”

The cannabis plant has been used in medicine for thousands of years, the college noted, but it is also used recreationally.

“The purpose of these training courses is to allow people to be informed and to gain perspective while preparing for jobs in this emerging industry.”

Topics will include: the regulation of the production and sale of cannabis; its commercial production, including health and safety and the specifics of its production in the North; the medical uses of cannabis; how to assess the needs of the market and showcase the products; the business models of various related companies; and how to prepare a business plan for a cannabis company.

The series of three courses can be combined in different ways and taken in any order, based on levels of need and interest. And since they are offered online, they can be taken anywhere in Canada.

Additionally, the training courses are offered in both French and English.

Boreal plans to add retail training courses in the future, as well as a longer program on cannabis production techniques.

“The cannabis industry, whether its production, sale or related fields such as investment or cannabis-based products, is emerging in Canada,” said Brian Vaillancourt, vice-president of business development at Boreal.

“People need information to help them understand this market so they can seize any investment and job opportunities and take part in this highly specialized and regulated market in a safe and informed manner.”

Julie Nadeau, director of Contract Training at the college, noted the cannabis industry is seeking trained professionals to meet the demand of the upcoming legalization.

“These course offerings will provide specialized knowledge allowing the participants to fulfill the unmet needs of this booming industry’s workforce,” she said.