All classes are open to the public. Horticulture classes through Workforce Development are non-credit. You will receive a certificate of completion for the non-credit course if you attend at least 85% of all course sessions and earn a grade of at least 70%.

The application for scholarships will be posted below once funds are available. Scholarships may be available to cover up to two classes.

If you would like to turn your certificates of completion into credit towards a Horticulture certificate or AAS degree, up to 7 credits may be awarded through the SUNY Niagara Credit for Prior Learning Process. The Horticulture program coordinator can provide information on the requirements.

Spring Semester: 1/20/26 – 5/15/26

Class days and times may vary. See class descriptions below:

The Biology of Cannabis

A detailed study of the anatomy and physiology of cannabis. This course introduces students to the unique features of cannabis biology including: species evolution and taxonomy, morphology and floral traits, cannabinoids, terpenes, tropisms, plant genetics, and breeding. Topics will be presented to increase awareness of the role external environmental factors play in producing internal responses in cannabis.

Instructor: Melissa Moore
Dates: 1/20/2026 – 5/15/2026
Option 1: On Campus Tuesdays 2:35pm – 5:05pm, Room C228
Option 2: Asynchronous Web-based Lecture
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn
Cost: $250

Cannabis Pest Management

Designed to develop the student’s skills for biotic and abiotic diagnostic problem identification and understanding of potential prevention and treatment options in the cannabis industry. This course covers the identification of various environmental, nutrient, and insect, disease, and weed pest issues as well as cultural, non-chemical, organic, biological controls, and synthetic chemical pest management options and how they impact quality control issues. Emphasis is placed on sustainable, best management practices.

Instructor: Melissa Moore
Dates: 1/20/2026 – 5/15/2026
Option 1: On Campus Wednesdays 2:00pm – 4:30pm, Room C225
Option 2: Asynchronous Web-based Lecture
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn
Cost: $250

Cannabis Products and Technologies

This course will review popular cannabis products and examine the technology used to manufacture these products. Students will learn the production processes and technologies. major and minor cannabinoids will be discussed and how they pertain to various end-use products. Full spectrum, broad spectrum, distillates, and isolate extracts will be defined. Students will discover current advances in cannabinoid sourcing methods.

Instructor: Melissa Moore
Dates: 1/20/2026 – 5/15/2026
Option 1: On campus Fridays 9:00am – 11:30am, Room B216
Option 2: Asynchronous Web-based lecture
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn
Cost: $250

Culinary Cannabis & Edibles

This course includes an essential introduction to the legal, financial, and societal issues surrounding the culinary cannabis industry. Learn about the laws that govern cannabis distribution, cultivation, possession, and consumption for adults and medical patients. Additionally, this course will explore the history of cannabis, plant anatomy, concentrates and extracts, the human endocannabinoid system, cannabis terpenes, culinary cannabis industry math, cannabis shopping/storage/cooking, and careers available in the industry. This course is designed to prepare students for the American Culinary Federation Specialization Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles Exam.

Instructor: Chef Nathan Koscielski
Dates: 1/20/2026 – 5/15/2026 Mondays 3-4:56pm
Location: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, 28 Old Falls St, Niagara Falls, Room 234
Cost: $250

Culinary Cannabis Extracts, Concentrates, and Infusions

This lab-style course is designed to be taken after completing the Culinary Cannabis & Edibles lecture-style course. In this course, you will learn the methodologies of how to prepare and make a variety of cannabis extracts, concentrates, and infusions. This course will explore the depth of flavors and aromas associated with cannabis terpenes and flavonoids while learning how to properly match those to different foods and beverages. Learn the science of the human endocannabinoid system, and how cannabinoids & phyto-cannabinoids interact with this system. Culinary cannabis industry math will ensure proper dosing and safe handling of infused products produced by using broad-spectrum hemp (which does not contain THC). Pre-requisite: Culinary Cannabis and Edibles Students must purchase and wear the NFCI culinary student uniform.

Instructor: Chef Nathan Koscielski
Dates: 1/20/2026 – 5/15/2026 Tuesdays 9am-2:50pm
Location: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, 28 Old Falls St, Niagara Falls, Room 218
Cost: $250

SUNY Niagara reserves the right to cancel classes based on enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.

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