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 online professional certificate is designed for Professionals looking to gain an understanding of cannabis science.
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.
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
The cannabis plant has a fascinating history, and recent policy changes have led to an explosion in cannabis science. We developed this program to provide students with a foundation of the scientific background to understand how cannabis is grown, made into therapeutic products, and used in a clinical setting. This fully online program will provide students with a foundation of knowledge in a complex and evolving area of science, while introducing key concepts in business, plant biology, and pharmacology.
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.
Admissions
A cannabis program for professionals, scientists, health care personnel, 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
Courses topics range from plant biology to pharmacology to clinical research.
This program is intended to be a unique experience for students to develop a broad
understanding of academic-level cannabis science, with more advanced concepts relevant to plant biology and pharmacology.
- Understand cannabis as a diversifying plant, including the taxonomic status, human influence, and natural evolution.
- Utilize a balanced academic approach to dispel myths surrounding the factors that affect cannabis growth and its chemical composition.
- Understand the pharmacokinetics of cannabis compounds in humans.
- Describe the mechanism of action of cannabis compounds.
- Critically review and assess the current evidence for safety and effectiveness of cannabis and cannabis-based products.
“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
I know that the plant has been used medicinally for centuries. It comes up as a treatment option for many of the patients I meet with and the course gave me more confidence to talk about it. I’m forever indebted to the program and it’s exactly what I was looking for.
Hillary Woodson Gaskins, MD
I wanted a science-based perspective on cannabis. Because I deal with it quite often in my workplace, I wanted a clear grounding so I could do the work without judgment. Having the UVM certificate shows that this is a legitimate topic and issue.
Monika Rivero, Program Alumnae
The staff and curriculum were great. I particularly enjoyed the research aspect and learning to write the required papers and the online interaction with other students. The UVM cannabis program provides a reputable source of information for not only medical professionals but anyone who wants to deep dive into the benefits of cannabis as medicine.
James Brent, DMD
I walked away with the language to be able to explain to others why and how cannabis works the way it does, and what we don’t understand because the research isn’t there yet. I learned a lot. My goal was accomplished—and then some.
Kelly Goldberg, Program Alumnae
Cannabis Science and Medicine Student Katy Charoensatit speaks about her experience studying cannabis.
Instructors
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More InfoMonique McHenry, PhD
Program Director
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More InfoKalev Freeman, MD, PhD
Faculty Presenter
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More InfoKaren Lounsbury, PhD
Faculty Presenter
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More InfoWilliam Cats-Baril, PhD
Faculty Presenter
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More InfoWolfgang Dotsmann, PhD
Faculty Presenter
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More InfoLinda Klumpers, PhD
Faculty Presenter
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More InfoJohn MacKay, PhD
Faculty Presenter
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More InfoJohn McPartland, DO, MS
Faculty Presenter
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.”
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.
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.
- Have questions about taking an online or distance education course? Visit the Online and Distance Education FAQ page
- Have more basic questions about Professional and Distance Education? Visit our About Us and FAQs page
Advising and Student Support
You have the goal; we’ll help you achieve it
We are dedicated to helping you access UVM. It is our role to get to know your experience and goals, assist you in choosing courses, guide you through registration, and serve as your resource throughout your time at UVM.
Curious if your past college credits apply at UVM? Want to understand where a program will take you after completion? Looking for resources for financial aid, tutors, or UVM policies? We’re here to help.
