Same, same but different.
That describes a recent donation of 30 cannabis clones from Steadystem Solutions and parent company CannTx to Niagara College‘s Commercial Cannabis Production program.
The genetically identical plants, known as clones, are a welcome addition for student use because they keep the program‘s plant genetics fresh, said Laurie Zuber, Horticulture Technologist with the program.
“Genetics get weaker over time so it‘s nice to get new plant material in,” Zuber said. “These are current cultivars that are used in the industry so it‘s fantastic, as we are always striving to be leading edge in our cannabis program.”
During the fall term, students will screen the plants, which were developed by Steadystem Solutions using clean and vigorous growing material, and select the best specimens for further study. It‘s a unique opportunity because few growers have worked with this kind of plant material.
“It is vitally important for our Commercial Cannabis Production program at Niagara College to stay current with Cannabis cultivars being grown by Health Canada licence holders,” said Bill MacDonald, Co-ordinator of the Commercial Cannabis Production program. “This donation of clones from Steadystem and CannTx does exactly that.”
Throughout the term, students will use the clones to learn about integrated pest management, fertilization, flower identification, harvesting and processing. They will share their observations and collaborate with Steadystem and CannTx to ensure they are growing the plants to a rigorous standard that meets cannabinoid and terpene targets.
“We see this as making good on our commitment to growing the industry and doing fact-based, science-based cultivation. We‘re challenging Niagara College students to see if they can grow to that standard and have fun with it,” noted Jeff Scanlon, Steadystem Solutions and CannTx Co-founder and Vice-President of Business Development. “We think we have a lot to offer students with this collaboration and hopefully it continues to grow.”
The clones follow a gift of 240 cannabis plants from Steadystem Solutions earlier this year for a research trial between another industry partner and the college‘s Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre (AETIC).
The donations are a continuation of an ongoing relationship between CannTx, Steadystem and the college. That includes engaging with NC students on internships and hiring them after they graduate.
“We‘ve seen the talent come through (the program) and into the industry,” Scanlon said. “As a science-based, fact-based organization, it‘s really wonderful to be connected to the college. We need to ensure a partnership to make sure the talent pool keeps growing.”
