Cannabis

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.

Fall Semester: 8/31/26 – 12/19/26

Medical Application of Cannabis

In this course students will learn clinical applications of medical cannabis in the treatment of patients. The course
covers topics such as the endocannabinoid system, cannabis pharmacology, product formulation, and dosing. Students
will learn about the potential for drug interactions, adverse events, how to address concurrent opioid use, as well as
palliative care considerations for pain management.

Instructor: Melissa Moore
Dates: 8/31/2026 – 12/19/2026
Option 1: On Campus Fridays 1:00pm – 3:50pm Room C228
Option 2: Asynchronous Web-based Lecture
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn
Cost: $250

Cannabis: Society, Policy, and Compliance

This course includes an important introduction to the legal, financial, and societal issues surrounding medicinal,
recreational, and industrial cannabis and the 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, industry trends, careers available in the industry, business types, sales and customer service skills,
security, and information on strains, products, consumption methods, budtending, and cannabis culture.

Instructor: Melissa Moore
Dates: 8/31/2026 – 12/19/2026
Asynchronous Web-based Lecture
Location: SUNY Niagara, 3111 Saunders Settlement Rd, Sanborn
Cost: $250

Cannabis Production

Learn the science behind the cultivation, propagation, and production of cannabis, including industrial hemp and
various strains of marijuana. This course will provide students with the latest research and best management practices
for the indoor and outdoor commercial production of cannabis species including methods of propagation, lighting,
irrigation, media, equipment, fertility, harvesting, drying, and curing. Information on hydroponics and organic options
will be included.

Instructor: Melissa Moore
Dates: 8/31/2026 – 12/19/2026
Option 1: On Campus Wednesdays 1:00pm – 4:35pm Room C163
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: 8/31/2026 – 12/19/2026 Mondays 3pm – 5pm
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: 8/31/2026 – 12/19/2026 Tuesdays 9am-2:50pm
Location: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute, 28 Old Falls St, Niagara Falls, Room 218
Cost: $250

Upcoming classes Spring 2027

• The Biology of Cannabis
• Cannabis Pest Management
• Cannabis Products and Technologies
• Culinary Cannabis
• Cannabis Extracts, Concentrates, and Infusions

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