Sundial Growers Inc., which is setting up marijuana production facilities in Olds, has announced a research partnership with the University of Calgary.
But a company spokesperson says that doesn't mean they won't deal with Olds College.
Sundial and the U of C have announced a three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on research and clinical trials of cannabis for medical purposes.
"Sundial and the University of Calgary will work together to define and implement research and clinical studies that meet the strategic goals of both organizations," says Claire Buffone-Blair, who is responsible for the company's communications and stakeholder relations.
"Sundial plans to partner with academic institutions that will advance research in a number of different areas," she adds. "We continue to work collaboratively with Olds College to identify projects of mutual interest."
Blayne Meek, Olds College's director of corporate communications and marketing, also says the agreement between Sundial and U of C won't affect the college.
"U of C is a leader in human health research and that is not an area we are focused on," she wrote in an email.
As the Albertan reported earlier, Olds College is partnering with cannabis production companies, including Sundial Growers and Olds Softgels, to train students to work in the industry.
The college is offering online courses and a two-week practicum at Sundial and Olds Softgels.
Meanwhile, Sundial has made great progress on its efforts to set up its production facilities.
Buffone-Blair says all 20 cultivation modules to create Pod 1 are now in place. The first grow units for the pod arrived from a Crossfield manufacturer on June 6.
More than 100 employees are expected to be working when the first pod is up and running later this year.
Over the next few years, three more pods will be created, with 20 grow rooms in each.
