New graduate certificate aims to meet the growing demand for trained industry experts

Toronto, April 16, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Seneca has launched a one-year Cannabis Regulation and Quality Assurance graduate certificate to meet the demand for regulatory experts, following the recent legalization of marijuana in Canada. With this rapidly growing but still very green market, there’s a need for professionals who know the ins and outs of the rules and regulations, and have the expertise to ensure both medical and recreational cannabis meet quality standards.

“For anyone considering a career in cannabis, now is a great time to get into the industry. The market is growing and industry professionals with specialized training in regulatory affairs are in high demand, especially now that people can legally purchase marijuana at retail stores,” said Paola Battiston, Chair of Seneca’s School of Biological Sciences and Applied Chemistry.

The program is the first of its kind in Ontario and will be offered at the Seneca@York Campus starting January 2020. It will provide the necessary tools and training in regulatory and quality assurance frameworks through focusing on the entire lifecycle of product development: plant physiology, pharmacology, cultivation, manufacturing processes and distribution. Best practices for each step will be taught within the Canadian and international regulatory and trade requirements. Students will also learn about financial metrics to work within budgets, ways to adapt business practices to meet the changing market and economic needs, and how to interpret chemical, environmental and physiological data to assess crop health and quality. Students will be able to put all their learning into action during an optional work term.

The new program builds on Seneca’s expertise in pharmaceutical and cosmetic regulation and quality assurance, and the faculty is comprised of industry experts actively working in the field. It is ideal for those with a background in science who want to apply their knowledge in a growing industry. The program’s one-year length makes it suitable for current pharmaceutical and cannabis professionals looking to upgrade their skills, and also for those considering a career change or becoming an entrepreneur. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to be employed within the public and private sectors, in areas including regulation and inspection, transportation and customs, and medical and recreational cannabis production quality assurance. 

About Seneca

Combining career and professional skills training with theoretical knowledge, Seneca’s expert faculty provide a polytechnic education to 30,000 full-time and 60,000 part-time students. With campuses in Toronto, York Region and Peterborough and education partners around the world, Seneca offers degrees, graduate certificates, diplomas and certificates in more than 300 full-time, part-time and online programs. Seneca’s credentials are renowned for their quality and respected by employers. Co-op and work placements, applied research projects, entrepreneurial opportunities and the latest technology ensure that Seneca graduates are highly skilled and ready to work.

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Amar Shah
Media Relations, Seneca College
416-491-5050 ext. 77567
amar.shah@senecacollege.ca