SOP Creates New Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Studies

The certificate is a two-semester, online program.

By Andrew Tie
March 6, 2023

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy has developed a new Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy, further cementing itself as the nation’s leader in graduate studies in medical cannabis.

The graduate certificate complements the existing Master of Science (MS) in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST), which was the first program of its kind when it launched in 2019. A fully online program, the graduate certificate is a two-semester, 12-credit program that provides a foundation in cannabis pharmacology and clinical science, historical context, and current policy landscape.

“The Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy is a natural evolution of our School’s expertise in medical cannabis studies,” said Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, BCPS, co-director of Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis program and associate professor in the Department of Practice, Sciences, and Health Outcomes Research. “Through the certificate, we are thrilled to offer an additional educational opportunity and look forward to continuing to develop leaders in the medical cannabis industry.”

The MS in MCST program has graduated 339 students who have gone on to expand their clinical practices, become entrepreneurs starting new business endeavors, begun jobs in dispensaries and testing facilities, gotten involved in local or state government, and pursued further education, including additional master’s degrees and PhDs.

The graduate certificate is intended for students seeking a more limited course of study than the MS degree program. Students in this track will take four foundational courses that are also the first four in the MS in MCST program. Students have the option to transition to the MS program after completing the graduate certificate.

“Since we launched the MS program in 2019, we have been overwhelmed by the appetite for formal education and training in this burgeoning field,” said Chad Johnson, PhD, co- director of Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis program and assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “The new graduate certificate option provides even more flexibility and academic options for our students.”

The application deadline for the fall semester for the Graduate Certificate in Medical Cannabis Science, Therapeutics, and Policy is June 1. Students interested in a career in the medical cannabis industry can learn more and apply today.

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