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Dan Ricker, Jazmin Oliver, and Andrea Holmes, PhD

This course will cover topics related to breeding, growing, and processing cannabis. Cultivation conditions, plant needs like lighting, care schedules, drying, and curing will be discussed. Learners will survey the basics of cannabis extraction, refinement, purification, and other post-harvesting techniques.

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This course will cover topics related to breeding, growing, and processing cannabis. Cultivation conditions, plant needs like lighting, care schedules, drying, and curing will be discussed. Learners will survey the basics of cannabis extraction, refinement, purification, and other post-harvesting techniques.

What you'll learn

  • Genetics, breeding, tissue culture, and creating strains
  • Growing techniques for small and large scale grows
  • Cannabis plant needs (marijuana versus hemp)
  • Cannabis extraction methods
  • Refinement and purification methods
  • Refined products

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Genetics, breeding, tissue culture, and creating strains
  • Growing techniques for small and large scale grows
  • Cannabis plant needs (marijuana versus hemp)
  • Cannabis extraction methods
  • Refinement and purification methods
  • Refined products

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Well-suited for growers and enthusiasts who want to learn more about cannabis cultivation, extraction, and related processing techniques
Students who want to pursue a career in cannabis cultivation or extraction may benefit from this course
Learners with some background in plant science, biology, or chemistry may find this course more accessible
This course is not intended for individuals who wish to learn about the medicinal uses of cannabis, as it primarily focuses on cultivation and processing techniques

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive cannabis cultivation and processing

According to learners, this course offers comprehensive coverage of the cannabis lifecycle, from genetics and cultivation to extraction and processing. Students particularly praise the course for providing a solid foundation for understanding both small and large-scale operations. While some specific techniques or advanced topics might require further external study, the course is widely seen as an excellent starting point and is often described as informative and well-structured. The sections on different extraction methods are frequently mentioned as particularly valuable.
Broad coverage, some topics could go deeper.
"While it covers a lot, I felt some areas could have gone into more detail, especially advanced cultivation techniques."
"Good overview, but for specific processing methods, I might need to find supplementary resources."
"The course is comprehensive but necessarily general in places, requiring further study for specialization."
"I wish they spent a bit more time on troubleshooting common growing issues."
Accessible even without prior knowledge.
"Even as a complete beginner, I found the material easy to understand and follow."
"The course is well-suited for someone just starting out in this field."
"Didn't assume too much prior knowledge, which was great."
"I came in with zero experience and feel confident now."
Well-organized and easy to follow.
"The course structure was logical and easy to follow, building knowledge step-by-step."
"Lectures were clear and concise, making complex topics understandable."
"Material was presented in an engaging way that kept me interested."
"I liked how the modules flowed from cultivation to processing."
Detailed information on processing.
"The part on extraction and processing methods was particularly informative and well explained."
"I found the sections on different extraction techniques incredibly useful for my work."
"Good overview of various processing techniques used in the industry."
"Helped me understand the science behind different extraction methods."
Provides a strong understanding of basics.
"This course provided me with an excellent foundation for understanding cannabis cultivation and processing."
"I feel like I have a much better grasp on the core principles after taking this course."
"Great starting point for anyone interested in the cannabis industry."
"It lays down a good base knowledge that I can build upon."
Covers the entire cannabis lifecycle.
"The course gave a comprehensive overview of the entire process from seed to finished product."
"I really appreciated the breadth of topics covered, from genetics to processing methods."
"It provides a solid foundation touching upon all key areas of cannabis cultivation and processing."
"This course covers everything I wanted to know about growing and processing cannabis."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Cannabis Cultivation and Processing with these activities:
Review the book "Cannabis Science and Technology" by Ethan Russo
Enhance your understanding of cannabis science and technology by reviewing this authoritative text that covers various aspects of cannabis cultivation, extraction, and therapeutic applications.
View Cannabis on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book "Cannabis Science and Technology".
  • Read through the chapters that align with the topics covered in the course.
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts for future reference.
  • Consider discussing the book's content with other students or experts in the field.
Gather and Organize Course Materials
Gather all of your lecture notes, course materials, and other relevant documents. Review and organize them to develop a central location for all course-related materials.
Browse courses on Cannabis Cultivation
Show steps
  • Collect all notes from lectures and tutorials
  • Gather any textbooks, online materials and website links shared by the instructor
  • Arrange a physical or digital filing system for storing and retrieving the materials easily
  • Dedicate time to overview and skim through all collected materials for familiarity
Review plant physiology
Review plant physiology to strengthen your understanding of cannabis plant needs and growth requirements.
Browse courses on Plant Physiology
Show steps
  • Review textbooks and course materials on plant physiology.
  • Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your understanding.
  • Attend online lectures or workshops on plant physiology.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Practice calculating light intensity
Practice calculating light intensity to ensure optimal lighting conditions for your cannabis plants.
Browse courses on Lighting
Show steps
  • Find resources or online tools for calculating light intensity.
  • Gather necessary data, such as plant type, growth stage, and grow space dimensions.
  • Perform calculations to determine the appropriate light intensity for your grow setup.
Create a grow plan
Create a detailed grow plan to guide your cannabis cultivation process and ensure successful plant growth.
Show steps
  • Research different growing techniques and choose the ones that suit your needs.
  • Determine the strain of cannabis you want to grow and its specific requirements.
  • Plan out the grow space, including lighting, ventilation, and nutrient schedule.
  • Create a timeline for the different stages of growth and care.
Follow video tutorials on cannabis extraction
Expand your understanding of cannabis extraction by following video tutorials that demonstrate various techniques and processes.
Show steps
  • Search for reputable online resources or video platforms that offer tutorials on cannabis extraction.
  • Choose tutorials that cover the specific extraction method you are interested in.
  • Follow the instructions and techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
Attend industry conferences or meetups
Connect with professionals in the cannabis industry to gain insights, learn about new developments, and expand your knowledge.
Show steps
  • Identify industry conferences, meetups, or networking events related to cannabis.
  • Attend these events to meet other professionals and learn from their experiences.
  • Participate in discussions and ask questions to broaden your perspective.
Contribute to an open-source cannabis cultivation project
Contribute to the cannabis community by participating in open-source projects related to cultivation, sharing your knowledge and learning from others.
Browse courses on Open-Source
Show steps
  • Find open-source projects related to cannabis cultivation, such as grow tracking tools or community forums.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute your skills or knowledge.
  • Contact the project maintainers to discuss your contributions.
  • Follow the project guidelines and contribute to the codebase or documentation.
Start a small-scale cannabis grow
Gain practical experience by starting a small-scale cannabis grow, applying the knowledge and skills learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Plan and prepare your grow space, including lighting, ventilation, and nutrients.
  • Choose and acquire suitable cannabis seeds or clones.
  • Cultivate and care for your plants throughout their growth stages.
  • Monitor and adjust growing conditions as needed to optimize plant growth.
  • Harvest and process your cannabis buds for consumption or further processing.

Career center

Learners who complete Cannabis Cultivation and Processing will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Cannabis Cultivator
A Cannabis Cultivator is responsible for the entire cultivation process of cannabis plants. This includes tasks such as genetic selection, propagation, irrigation, nutrient management, pest control, and harvesting. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, plant needs, and the cultivation process itself.
Cannabis Processor
A Cannabis Processor is responsible for the processing of cannabis plants, including extraction, refinement, and purification. This role also involves the creation of different cannabis products, such as concentrates, edibles, and topicals. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis processing, extraction methods, and refinement and purification methods.
Cannabis Breeder
A Cannabis Breeder is responsible for the development of new cannabis strains. This involves tasks such as crossing different strains, selecting for desired traits, and stabilizing new varieties. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis genetics, breeding, and tissue culture.
Cannabis Consultant
A Cannabis Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses and individuals on all aspects of the cannabis industry. This role may involve tasks such as developing business plans, marketing strategies, and compliance strategies. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Dispensary Manager
A Cannabis Dispensary Manager is responsible for the operation of a cannabis dispensary. This role may involve tasks such as managing staff, inventory, and sales. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Policy Analyst
A Cannabis Policy Analyst is responsible for analyzing and developing policies related to cannabis. This role may involve tasks such as researching cannabis laws and regulations, and providing recommendations to policymakers. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Researcher
A Cannabis Researcher is responsible for conducting research on cannabis. This research may involve topics such as the medical benefits of cannabis, the effects of cannabis on the human body, and the development of new cannabis products. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Educator
A Cannabis Educator is responsible for teaching others about cannabis. This role may involve tasks such as developing educational materials, giving lectures, and leading workshops. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Social Activist
A Cannabis Social Activist is responsible for advocating for the legalization and responsible use of cannabis. This role may involve tasks such as organizing protests, lobbying policymakers, and educating the public about cannabis. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Writer
A Cannabis Writer is responsible for writing about cannabis. This role may involve tasks such as writing articles, blog posts, and books about cannabis. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Marketing Specialist
A Cannabis Marketing Specialist is responsible for marketing cannabis products and services. This role may involve tasks such as developing marketing campaigns, managing social media, and creating content. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Sales Representative
A Cannabis Sales Representative is responsible for selling cannabis products and services. This role may involve tasks such as meeting with clients, giving presentations, and closing deals. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Product Developer
A Cannabis Product Developer is responsible for developing new cannabis products. This role may involve tasks such as researching new ingredients, designing new products, and testing new products. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Quality Assurance Specialist
A Cannabis Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the quality of cannabis products. This role may involve tasks such as testing products for safety and efficacy, and developing quality control procedures. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.
Cannabis Laboratory Technician
A Cannabis Laboratory Technician is responsible for conducting laboratory tests on cannabis products. This role may involve tasks such as testing products for safety and efficacy, and developing new testing methods. The Cannabis Cultivation and Processing course can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role by teaching you the basics of cannabis cultivation, processing, and the cannabis industry as a whole.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Cannabis Cultivation and Processing.
Provides a detailed overview of cannabis botany and breeding.
Covers the basics of cannabis cultivation, including genetics, breeding, growing techniques, and post-harvesting techniques.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of cannabis use around the world.
A historical and scientific overview of cannabis, with a focus on its medicinal uses.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, botany, and ethnobotany of cannabis.
A critical analysis of the War on Drugs, with a focus on the role of cannabis.

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