Get Ahead of the Competition at NCCC's Cannabis Conference

By: Buz Deliere | December 27, 2022

Sanborn, NY - Niagara County Community College (NCCC) is leading the charge in cannabis education and research - hosting the first of its kind, seed-to-sale conference on a SUNY campus. This groundbreaking event will provide an insightful look into one of today's most lucrative industries.

The campus is gearing up for the exciting event on Jan. 10, as the dining commons and dining room will welcome the 300 attendees. Brian Michel, the assistant vice president of Academic Affairs and Economic Development at NCCC admits tickets are running out fast - so don't wait too long if you want to join the conference.

NCCC had the honor of leading a consortium grant application with three other community colleges - Erie Community College, Jamestown Community College and Genesee Community College. Thanks to their collaborative efforts they earned an impressive $1 million in SUNY cannabis workforce funding back in July.

The universities' strong partnerships were rewarded as part of a greater investment into future employment prospects within the growing cannabis industry; garnering overall grants totaling over $5 million for short-term credentials or course offerings across both SUNY and CUNY systems.

Michel said about the conference, "It gives us the opportunity to showcase our curriculum, facilities and assets on campus."

The NCCC consortium's recently received grant stipulated that it’s to provide an annual cannabis conference. This opportunity will allow the other four local community colleges to develop curricula in their area related to this growing industry.

Niagara County Community College has been educating students on the cannabis industry since 2019, offering eight courses that cover a range of topics from cultivation to retailing. In addition to delving into the horticultural processes behind marijuana production and how it functions in terms of regulation, NCCC's classes can be taken as non-degree options through their Office of Workforce Development.

Attendees of the upcoming conference will be treated to riveting insight from experts in medical marijuana. Dr. Laszlo Mechtler, a renowned Medical Director and Professor at the University at Buffalo, will share his knowledge garnered through years of working with cannabis medicine and the breakthroughs he has observed firsthand.

Complementing this keynote presentation is an exciting array of industry professionals speaking on different facets of cannabis education – all ready to provide powerful information for those looking to explore further.

Michel goes on to say, "We try to structure the conference to have something for everyone."

This week, budding entrepreneurs have an opportunity to learn about the cannabis industry from experts in the field. Curious onlookers who are new to this topic can also attend and gain valuable insights into this growing sector. It's a chance for students, professionals, and members of the general public alike to come together under one roof.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as the speakers and vendors come together with culinary delights from cannabis-infused cooking demos to ice sculptures! The vendor hall is sure to bring some incredible surprises, so don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event.

There's still time to get a ticket for the upcoming NCCC conference. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to network and listen in on conversations with industry leaders from around the world. Head to their website now before tickets sell out.