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 |
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.