SUNY Erie Launching Program in Cannabis Studies

July 22, 2021

SUNY Erie Launching Program Focused on Cannabis Products Studies this Fall

SUNY Erie Community College has announced it will launch a new track in Cannabis studies this fall as part of its Biotechnological Science degree program.

“The expanding cannabis industry coupled with the legalization of recreational marijuana in New York State make this an ideal time to launch the new program,” said Interim President William Reuter. “We expect cannabis knowledge and education to be in high demand for the foreseeable future, and this program will help to train the region’s workforce.”

The SUNY Erie program will produce well rounded graduates with laboratory skills transferrable to many positions within this fast-growing industry. Graduates will seek positions as industrial cannabis technicians whose responsibilities include equipment operation, product quality control, and pest management. Graduates can also work as a quality inspector to maintain compliance with health, safety and potency standards. The curriculum also instills knowledge of horticulture, botany and pest management, enabling graduates to work in cultivation positions.

“We are excited to provide workforce members to the cannabis community in Erie County. This program is very different than others within the SUNY system as it concentrates on finished products that can be produced from cannabis,” said Instructor William Nichols.

Although cannabis will not be grown as part of the program, students will learn the basics of plant horticulture and handling cut plant tissue. Courses in the Cannabis track include but are not limited to Intro to the Biotechnology of Cannabis Science, Quality Control Science, Regulatory Compliance, Practical Horticulture, Production of Cannabis Products, and many other courses concentrating on laboratory techniques. Each science course also has an active learning lab.

For additional information on the program, call 716-851-1322 or visit https://www.ecc.edu/academics/biotechnological-science-degree.html