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Cannabis Science Certificate

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  1. Return to Home
  2. College of Health Professions
  3. Institute of Emerging Health Professions
  4. Academic Programs
  5. Certificate Programs

Explore this Section

  • Course Descriptions
  • Accepted Students
  • Faculty
  • Admissions Information

Across the globe, cannabis medicalization and legalization are having a profound effect on the world. The cannabis industry is rapidly growing into a multibillion dollar enterprise, offering many jobs in farming, processing, research, sales, and medical treatment. There are, however, few educational programs that prepare scientists, researchers, and clinicians to join this burgeoning field.

At a Glance

  • College

    Online Programs, Institute of Emerging Health Professions

  • Degree

    Graduate Certificate

  • Format

    Online

  • Credits

    9

  • Duration

    1 Year

The Cannabis Science Certificate provides an in-depth view of the botany and chemistry of the cannabis plant, cannabinoid pharmacology and resultant effects, and how to identify and quantify the different chemical components and potential toxicants in cannabis.

This certificate program prepares students for the cannabis business in growing or processing cannabis plants, developing new cannabis strains, or researching the potential of many different cannabinoids, terpenes, or flavonoids of new combinations of these chemicals. Students also learn how and why cannabinoids produce their positive and negative effects, and how our bodies absorb, distribute, metabolize, and excrete cannabinoids.

This certificate is offered in partnership with the Center for Forensic Science Research & Education. For more than 20 years, the Center has been at the forefront of the forensic community, providing novel developments in research, training, and education in the forensic sciences. Their internationally recognized staff have partnered with the Institute of Emerging Health Professions at Thomas Jefferson University to provide an unparalleled learning experience in this emerging field.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the certificate, students will:

  • Understand the chemistry of the cannabis plant and how plant genetics change over time.
  • Know how to utilize advanced analytical technologies to identify potential toxins in cannabis and to monitor the concentrations of cannabis constituents, to improve the quality of cannabis-based products.
  • Be able to describe the mechanisms of action and functional roles of endogenous cannabinoids in humans.
  • Understand how plant cannabinoids interact with the endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter system, to produce both positive and negative effects.

Curriculum

The Cannabis Science certificate is one of the stackable certificates leading up to the MS in Medical Cannabis Science & Business.

The courses in the certificate program are designed to accommodate and interest students with diverse academic background and career interests. All cannabis courses are online and mostly asynchronous. Students may enroll into the program in fall, spring, or summer .

Course Number Course Name Credit Hours Term
CSC 511 Botany and Chemistry of Cannabis 3 Fall
CSC 512 Forensic Analysis of Cannabinoids & Cannabis Derived Products 3 Spring
CSC 513 Cannabinoid Pharmacology   3 Summer
View Course Descriptions

If you are not ready to commit to an MS degree or a full certificate, take a course or two as a non-degree student (non-matriculated option) – See information.

Explore your options Related Programs

MS in Medical Cannabis Science & Business
Cannabis Business Certificate
Cannabis Medicine Certificate
Medical Marijuana: A Course for Health Care Practitioners and Pennsylvania Recommenders

Get in Touch

Program Contact

Name: Brooke Worster, MD
Position:
  • Medical Advisor, Cannabis Programs
  • Associate Professor
Organization: Institute of Emerging Health Professions
Email: IEHP-info@jefferson.edu
Contact Number(s):
  • 215-503-1111

Leadership

Name: Ruth Charbonneau, JD, RN
Position: Program Director
Email: Ruth.Charbonneau@jefferson.edu
Contact Number(s):
  • 215-503-1111
IEHP Student Handbook
Academic Calendar
Tuition & Fees

Contact Admissions

Email: enroll@jefferson.edu
Contact Number(s):
  • 215-951-2800
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