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CUL 250 – Culinary Cannabis and Edibles
The cannabis economy is growing and SUNY Niagara has answered the call to educate those who wish to enter the field. This course includes an important 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 specifically designed to prepare students for the American Culinary Federation’s (ACF) Specialization Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles exam.
- Format: Lecture, In-person
- Fall Semester: August 28, 2023 – December 15, 2023
- Time/date: Mondays, 3:00pm-4:40pm
- Contact: Chef Nathan Koscielski, CCE, Assistant Professor
Chef Nathan Koscielski, C.C.E.
CUL 255 – Culinary Cannabis Extracts, Concentrates & Infusions
This lab-style course is specifically designed to be taken after the successful completion of the CUL 250 – 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. Additionally, this course will explore the depth of flavors and aromas associated with cannabis terpenes and flavonoids, all while learning how to properly match those to different foods and beverages. Learn and understand the science of the human endocannabinoid system, and how cannabinoids & phytocannabiniods 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 contains a range of cannabinoids but contains no THC).
- Format: Lecture, In-person
- Fall Semester: August 28, 2023 – December 15, 2023
- Time/date: Mondays, 9:00am-2:25pm
- Contact: Chef Nathan Koscielski, CCE, Assistant Professor
Chef Nathan Koscielski, C.C.E.
Highlights
- Business and retail topics in this course include cannabis shopping and storage.
- Deepen your appreciation for cannabis through a study of terpenes, the primary reason cannabis strains smell and taste the way they do.
- Determine which cannabis to choose based on the type of sweet or savory dish they would prepare.
- Explore careers in the culinary cannabis industry.
- Learn extraction techniques, concentrates, dosing, plant anatomy, and the human endocannabinoid system.
Additional information on ACF certification
* Information on American Culinary Federation’s Specialization Certificate in Culinary Cannabis:
ACF is the nation’s leader in offering educational resources, training, and certificate programs to enhance professional growth for all current and future chefs. ACF recognizes the significant interest in the addition of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) in food and drink products across the nation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware of the use of THC and CBD in food and drink and has held that the use of both compounds in food and drink is illegal. Despite that fact, 33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana and 10 of those states, including the District of Columbia, have legalized recreational marijuana, resulting in a proliferation of THC and CBD-containing products. In order to fill the gap in regulation, some states have begun adopting independent strategies for handling THC and CBD in food and beverages. There remains, however, an information gap with respect to food safety and preparation as it relates to THC and CBD infused products.
The Specialization Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles demonstrates an applicant’s proficiency in the skills, knowledge, and competencies for safely handling culinary cannabis and edibles. This exam was written and reviewed by industry-recognized subject matter experts.
Exam Outline
The exam is to be completed within 90 minutes and consists of 100 questions within the following specifications:
- Plant Anatomy
- Storing and Cooking
- Concentrates and Extracts
- Endocannabinoid System
- Terpenes
- Math and Potency
- Safety
Applicants must pass the exam with 75 percent to earn the Specialized Certificate in Culinary Cannabis and Edibles
Eligibility
Candidates must supply documentation verifying completion of:
- ServSafe certification
OR - 8 hours in food safety and sanitation
Do I have to matriculate into a degree program to complete this course?
No, students wishing to complete this course only, can apply non-matriculated here: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/registration-records/register/
Is Culinary Cannabis a program or a course?
Culinary Cannabis is a course that students can take. If a student chooses to enroll in a program, they can add this course to their schedule as an elective.
Looking to enroll in a degree program?
Students wishing to complete a degree program and the cannabis course, can apply here: https://www.niagaracc.suny.edu/apply/
Culinary Cannabis in the News
- SUNY Niagara Blazing a Trail in Culinary Cannabis Industry [SUNY Niagara – February 25, 2021]
- NFCI Students Learn to Use the Other ‘Pot’ [Buffalo News –
- Cooking With Cannabis [Edible Western NY – Summer, 2021]
- SUNY Niagara Offering Culinary Cannabis Course at Niagara Falls Culinary Institute [WKBW – February, 2021]
- SUNY Niagara Ahead Of The Curve Amidst Budding Cannabis Industry [Niagara Frontier Publications –
- Niagara Falls Culinary Institute’s Culinary Cannabis introduces students to food of the future [Spectrum News –
- A Taste of the Future: Niagara Falls Culinary Institute Introduces Culinary Cannabis [NugSpasher.com –
- A Culinary School is at the Forefront of Cannabis Cooking Education in NY [WGRZ – May 3, 2023
- A Culinary School Is At The Forefront Of Cannabis Cooking Education In NY [Cannabis Culture Publication – May 4, 2023