A prescription bottle with cannabis coming out of it on top of a prescription pad..

Be a Trusted Advisor about Cannabis

Cannabis Science and Medicine Professional Certificate

UVM is the first medical school in the nation to offer a professional certificate in cannabis and medicine. Our 8-week, online professional certificate is designed for physicians, dispensary personnel, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, and regulators.

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Program Snapshot

Spring Start Date

March 25, 2024

Spring Registration Deadline

March 22, 2024

How Often

Every Spring, Fall

Cost

$2,250

Learning Format

Online

Online Learning Type

Asynchronous. Live sessions Thurs. 1-2 p.m. EST

Duration

8 weeks

Time Commitment

8-10 hrs./wk.

Credential

Professional Certificate

VA Benefit Eligible

No

Scholarships

No

Discounts

20% discount for UVM affiliates, including alumni, students, staff, faculty (current and retired)

Credits

Non-Credit

Overview

Cannabis: Be in the Know 

Now, more than ever, there is an ever-increasing demand for clinicians, dispensary managers, and other industry professionals to understand the indications, counter-indications, benefits, and risks of cannabis. Yet, according to Forbes, a recent study revealed that most physicians lack knowledge of medicinal cannabis. In fact, 65 percent reported that they have been asked about medical marijuana as a treatment for chronic pain, but were unable to answer their patients’ questions.

What sets UVM apart

UVM is the first medical school in the nation to offer a professional certificate in cannabis and medicine. Our 8-week, online professional certificate is designed for physicians, dispensary personnel, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, and regulators.

Offered by UVM’s Department of Pharmacology, this non-credit program covers cannabis history, business, law and policy, plant biology, biological effects on humans, production and safety, pharmacology, and clinical research.

“Our online cannabis professional certificates concentrate on evidence-based, scientific approaches to understanding the therapeutic uses of cannabis for the future of medicine,” says Dr. Monique McHenry, Director of the Medical Cannabis Center for Research and Education and co-director of the cannabis pharmacology course at the University of Vermont Medical School.

Learn from experts in UVM’s pioneering, evidence-based Program

Develop a broad understanding of cannabis and advanced concepts

Earn an an industry-leading credential

Comprehensive Learning of Cannabis Science and Medicine

This program delivers a unique experience for students to develop a broad understanding of cannabis and its medicinal use, with more advanced concepts relevant to biology and medicine.

Students will also learn about the acute and chronic effects of psilocybin, factors that influence psilocybin pharmacology, and more including the therapeutic effects (beneficial and adverse) of psilocybin/psilocin.

As an industry-leading credential UVM’s Professional Certificate in Cannabis Science and Medicine gives professionals assurance they can accurately inform patients and customers, as well as gain a competitive advantage as a knowledgeable, trustworthy provider who can effectively minimize the risks and maximize the benefits of cannabis for therapeutic use.

Admissions

A cannabis program for health care professionals and more

Our 8-week, online professional certificate is designed for:

  • Physicians
  • Dispensary personnel
  • Nurse practitioners and Registered Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Physician assistants
  • Edible creators
  • Regulators

Course Prerequisites 

Students must be 18 years of age or older, have a bachelor’s degree, and have completed college-level foundational science courses in Biology and Chemistry. Note that you are not required to submit transcripts and relevant career experience can replace academic requirements. For example, experience as a Registered Nurse will void the science course requirement.

Curriculum

This program is intended to be a unique experience for students to develop a broad understanding of cannabis and its medicinal use, with more advanced concepts relevant to biology and medicine in the context of the following objectives:

  • Utilize a balanced academic approach to dispel myths surrounding the benefits and toxicities associated with Cannabis use
  • Discuss pharmacokinetics of cannabis for therapeutic use
  • Explain to patients the best evidence-based indications for clinical use of cannabinoids and terpenes
  • Identify the key legal issues around Cannabis for therapeutic use
  • Describe the pharmacology and toxicology of Cannabis and cannabis-based products
  • Critically review and assess the current evidence for safety and efficacy of Cannabis and cannabis-based products.

The curriculum includes the following:

Week 1: Brightspace Orientation
Self-taught

Week 2: Program Introduction: History of Cannabis, Business, Policy and Law
Monique McHenry, PhD
Presentations: Introduction; History, Legalization Status, and Research Policy; Business; Law

Week 3: Cannabis Plant Biology and Basic Science
John McPartland, DO, Monique McHenry PhD, Wolfgang Dostmann, PhD
Presentations: Plant Biology; Chemistry; Endocannabinoid System; Live Seminar

Week 4: Cannabis Production and Safety
Monique McHenry, PhD, Kalev Freeman, MD, PhD
Presentations: Production Preparations; Safety

Week 5: Cannabis Pharmacology
Kalev Freeman, MD, PhD, Karen Lounsbury, PhD, John MacKay, PhD
Presentations: Modes of Administration; Adverse Effects

Week 6: Cannabis Clinical Research (Pain & Endocrine System)
Kalev Freeman, MD, PhD, Fran Carr, PhD
Presentations: Chronic Pain and Inflammation; Cancer and the Endocrine System; Live Seminar

Week 7: Cannabis Clinical Research (Motor Disorders)
Kalev Freeman, MD, PhD, Karen Lounsbury, PhD
Presentations: MS and Parkinson’s; Epilepsy; Live Seminar

Week 8: Program Summary
Monique McHenry, PhD

“With this course, I felt like I really got a good base or foundation of everything that’s current. There’s a lot of anecdotal stuff out there but as a physician, what’s the evidence-based medicine behind it? This course provided a review of some of the things that I knew and a lot of other information that really helped fill in the gaps.”

–Dr. Lisa Profera, Program Alumnae

Student Stories

Cannabis Science and Medicine Student Katy Charoensatit speaks about her experience studying cannabis.

Career Outlook

Medical Cannabis Jobs to Explore 

The medical cannabis industry has grown to include many career opportunities within various fields. While this certificate alone won’t earn you a medical degree, it will enhance your knowledge and open up new career opportunities, including jobs such as:

  • Cannabis medical director
  • Quality assurance inspector
  • Cannabis program specialist (policy)
  • Research compliance analyst
  • Health care communications
  • Extraction and operations
  • Cannabis lab technician
  • Cannabis researcher

I took the course so that I could be well informed about a variety of topics in this field. My expectations were not only met, but exceeded. It was fantastic. In fact it will take me the next several months to reflect, digest and utilize all of the information I was presented with. It was all valuable information!

Spring 2019 program alum 

Cannabis Science Education Crosses Many Industries

UVM’s Cannabis Science and Medicine Professional Certificate draws students from all types of profession, including physicians, dispensary personnel, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, physician assistants, and regulators. Here are a few of the organizations where our students have been employed.

  • Ceres MED
  • Plattsburgh Pediatrics
  • Kinney Drugs
  • Saint Francis University
  • CBD Dog Health
  • Swedish Med Group
  • Platform to Recovery
  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Medical Dynamics & Pure Bloom CBD
  • Massachusetts General Hospital
  • Penn State College of Medicine
  • Wayne State University
  • PerformaX Physical Therapy
  • Harborside Behavioral Health
  • University of Vermont Medical Center
  • Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center
  • House of Alchemy
  • G3 Medical Marketing

FAQ

Participants must verify that they are 18 years of age or older, have a bachelor’s degree, and have completed college-level foundational science courses in Biology. Note that you are not required to submit transcripts and relevant career experience can replace academic requirements. For example, experience as a Registered Nurse will void the science course requirement.

This course is an academic course based on scientific literature. If you do not meet the prerequisites, you will need to prepare and demonstrate baseline academic skills on your own, including critical thinking, objectivity, data analysis, and problem solving. Please note the estimated time commitment of 8-10 hours per week is projected based on meeting these prerequisites.

If you are motivated and feel confident in your ability to succeed in this program, you can request instructor permission to participate. To request instructor permission, please email a brief explanation of your qualifications for this program to learn@uvm.edu with the subject line “Cannabis Science and MedicineProfessional Certificate Instructor Permission Request.”

Both certificates are based on the same theory and cover cannabis history, law, policy, business, and basic human pharmacology.

  • Cannabis Plant Biology dives into what affects the way cannabis is grown, the chemicals it produces, harvesting, storage, shelf life of consumer products, and consumer safety.
  • Cannabis Science & Medicine goes into depth about how cannabis is affecting the human body.
  • If you are interested in taking both courses, it is best to take the Cannabis Plant Biology course first.

Our 8-week, online professional certificate is designed for:

  • Physicians
  • Dispensary personnel
  • Nurse practitioners and Registered Nurses
  • Pharmacists
  • Physician assistants
  • Edible creators
  • Regulators

We estimate that students will spend an average of 8-10 hours a week on course instruction. This will be a combination of readings, viewings, discussion boards, assignments, and research.

Live sessions are on Thursdays from 1-2pm EST. Live sessions will be recorded and attendance is not mandatory. These sessions will be used to discuss key concepts related to the modules, to ask questions of faculty, and to share peer-to-peer knowledge on the topic. Live sessions may be added or canceled at the discretion of the instructor.

Please note students enrolled in either Professional Certificate in Cannabis Plant Biology course or Cannabis Science and Medicine Professional Certificate course are welcome to participate in all live sessions.

There is no required textbook for this Certificate. All course readings and assignments will be regularly distributed online to students via Brightspace.

Anyone may enroll in the program. The tuition rate is set at $2,250 for all students and does not differ based on a student’s residency.

Learn about options for discounts, grants, loans, scholarships, and more on our tuition and financial aid page.

Students may register by paying the full $2,250 program fee online via credit card or by calling us at 802-656-8407 to make a partial payment of $500. Should you make a partial payment, the remaining $1,750 must be paid in full no later than two weeks prior to the start of this offering. If payment is not received by then, you will automatically be dropped from the course the following business day. Refunds will be issued less a $25.00 cancellation fee.

Payment plans are not currently available for this program. Tuition must be paid in full two weeks prior to beginning the program.

If you need to cancel your attendance, you must notify us via email at learn@uvm.edu or call us at (802) 656-2085 at least three business days prior to the start date of the course to receive a full refund, less a $25 cancellation fee. If a medical condition necessitates cancellation/withdrawal (documentation to be provided), this will be reviewed by our Studies Committee for any type of refund.

1098-T forms are not issued for this program. However, you may be eligible for a tax credit without this form if you meet IRS requirements. For more information, please see this link or consult with a tax professional.

The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont has emerged as a leader in education focused on the medicinal use of Cannabis. The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont pharmacology course, PHRM 3000: Medical Cannabis is considered to be the first of its kind at a US academic institution. It delves into molecular biology, neuroscience, chemistry, and physiology. UVM is also the first medical school in the nation to offer a professional certificate in Cannabis and Medicine. These one-of-a-kind educational offerings at The Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont are led by faculty of the College. In addition to education, UVM is expanding research focused on Cannabis use and human health.

This Certificate equips people in the medical and pharmacology fields with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and have informed discussions with patients on the use of cannabis and cannabis-based products. In addition, it provides regulators and dispensary personnel with the medical, biological, and legal knowledge surrounding cannabis. All students will leave the course knowing the current evidence for safety and efficacy of cannabis and cannabis-based products, understanding of the therapeutic and clinical uses, and pharmacology and toxicology of cannabis and cannabis-based products.

You will be assessed on your attendance and participation in class, completion of homework assignments, and comprehension of the course material. Some assignments may be project based, along with online student discussions, and readings. The instructor may also give a quiz periodically to assess comprehension of the material. Students must successfully participate in 70% of the program in order to receive a printed Certificate of Completion. Because this is a non-credit program there is no transcript.

The program started in September 2016 and hundreds of students have successfully completed the Certificate.

If you are a non-credit student seeking accessibility support, please email access@uvm.edu and the UVM Student Accessibility Services team will be able to assist. In your email, please include that you do not have a 95 number/NetID.