CANTON -- SUNY Canton will be offering a new online course in cannabis business management.

The course, titled “CannaBusiness Management” (BSAD 399) will be offered in the fall semester as an online special topics course.

"The regulatory changes in New York State and surrounding areas present an opportunity for SUNY Canton to be among the first colleges to develop coursework specifically related to the business of cannabis," Phillip T. Neisser, dean of the School of Business and Liberal Arts, said in a prepared statement from the school. "We will be among a very few accredited colleges to provide learning opportunities on this subject matter."

The course was developed in response to changing New York State regulations as well as the national trend towards the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana.

"The recent legalization of cannabis and related products in several states has created employment opportunities for individuals who possess the skills to manage business practices within this highly specialized and controversial industry," Associate Professor Janice C. Robinson, who will be teaching the new course, said in an announcement. "Medical and recreational marijuana use is becoming more prevalent as it becomes legalized at the state level, in Canada and in other nations worldwide."

The course syllabus includes themes on the current business environment, licensing and permits as well as accounting and investment. The course will also cover the controversy surrounding evolving marijuana markets, the announcement said.

SUNY Canton's course will differ from courses offered at other colleges, as it will not cover topics related to growing marijuana or any horticulture-specific research.

College officials say they do not plan to cultivate marijuana.