As has been discussed (incessantly) over the past few months, second-wave cannabis products such as extracts, edibles and topicals are expected to hit the shelves in mid-December in most provinces (with some exceptions).

To ensure everyone is prepared, business owners across the Maritimes have just finished the first installment of a P.E.I.-based product development bootcamp in the capital city of Charlottetown.

Operated by members of the Island province’s food and bioscience community, the four-day event was held to teach participants everything they need to know about second-wave cannabis products. This top-to-bottom review touched on issues ranging from product development to marketing, financing, regulations and other vital information for cannabis-related entrepreneurs.

“Topics will include regulations and licensing, current market research, paths to market, product development, scale-up and financing,” the course promises. “There will also be time for networking to meet industry experts, service providers and other business people that will help you bring your idea to reality.”

The workshops are set up both to provide education to help companies succeed and work within the necessary framework, but also to help connect companies with specialized workers for developing quality products. All this while working alongside well-known organizations such as the National Research Council, Canada’s Smartest Kitchen and BioFoodTech.

The workshops are meant to both help companies succeed and work within the necessary framework, while also helping connect companies with specialized workers for developing quality products / Photo: mheim3011/iStock/Getty Images Plus mheim3011 / iStock / Getty Images Plus

“We work with people that are in food innovation,” Food Island Partnership director Kent Thompson told CBC News. “So, if there’s something that they need, we would help navigate them to those places and help them through the process.”

The next installment of the workshop continues Dec. 5 and 6. Interested parties can contact Kent Thompson at kent@foodislandpei.ca or 902-367-4409.