Program Overview

The University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is a leader in the scientific investigation, quality assurance, and clinical evaluation of plant-based medicines. Our Cannabis Science and Medicine Graduate Certificate extends that expertise with a 9-credit hour graduate certificate program. The certificate provides an in-depth understanding of the pharmacology and therapeutics of cannabis. Ideal candidates for this offering include healthcare professionals who want to optimize overall clinical outcomes and scientists who want to enhance their knowledge of cannabis chemistry, analysis, and actions.

The course's online nature and self-directed learning modules will allow flexibility for learners and offer wide geographic engagement.

• Self-directed learning will complement online, synchronous live, case-based discussions and/or activities guided by clinical practice experts, clinical researchers, medicinal plant chemists and pharmacologists, and legal and regulatory leaders.
• 9 credit hours of core coursework in pharmacology, therapeutics, and legal & regulatory issues.

Have questions about the program? Fill out our Request Information form and one of our knowledgeable admissions counselors will contact you.

Eligibility

The Cannabis Science and Medicine (CSM) certificate is an online, interprofessional graduate certificate program educating healthcare professionals on the scientific use of cannabis and cannabis-derived products for therapeutic options. The certificate is open to applicants who:

• Have completed a B.S. or B.A. (or higher) in a biological, chemical, medical science or allied health program; OR 
• Are enrolled and in good standing in an accredited health sciences professional school (MD, DO, PA, PharmD, DMD/DDS, RN, BSN, APRN, or other as appropriate).
  • Completed at least one year within their program’s curriculum and are in good standing with a cumulative professional grade point average of at least 2.0.
  • Be in good standing with any internship licensing agency.

Visit the Cannabis Science and Medicine Admission Page to learn how to apply.

Academic Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine (CSM) is a 9-11 credit hour, online academic-based graduate program. This program is ideal for health professionals and researchers interested in cannabis science, evaluation of clinical literature, and legal and regulatory issues.

The online nature of the course and self-directed learning modules will allow flexibility for learners and offer wide geographic engagement.

• Self-directed learning will be complemented by online, synchronous live, case-based discussions and/or activities guided by clinical practice experts, clinical researchers, medicinal plant chemists and pharmacologists, and legal and regulatory leaders.
• 9 credit hours of core coursework in pharmacology, therapeutics, and legal & regulatory issues.
• Optional opportunity to complete an additional 2 credit hours of coursework focusing on the chemical analysis of plant-based medicines (comprised of an online 2 credit hour laboratory methods course).
• Completion of this Graduate Certificate in CSM will also enable those desiring advanced study to apply their earned credits (9 to 11 credit hours) toward a 30-credit hour Master of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences with an emphasis in CSM.

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Hours
PCSM 6720	Cannabis Therapeutics Pain/Oncology	2
PCSM 6710	Cannabis Therapeutics Neurology/Mental Health	2
	Hours	4
	Total Hours	4

Plan of Study Grid

Second Year
Spring		Hours
PCSM 6730	Legal & Regulatory Issues in Cannabis Medicine	2
PCSM 7700	Cannabis Pharmacology & Physiology	3
	Hours	5
	Total Hours	5