Master of Science in Medical Cannabis
A Master's Degree in Medical Cannabis Specifically Designed for Clinicians!
The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics program (MS-MCT) prepares students to thrive in the cannabis industry as healthcare providers, advocates, educators, coaches, or entrepreneurs.
Through the MS degree in Medical Cannabis program, you will learn to use cannabis science evidence and holistic approaches to educate, coach, and advocate for cannabis patient populations. As a graduate of the Medical Cannabis master degree program, you will be recognized for your medical cannabis science expertise and be prepared to be a leader in coaching and educating cannabis patients, the general public, policy makers, and the medical community. Start today at Pacific College of Health and Science.
Please note that enrollment for the MS-MCT is currently paused for 2023. Stay tuned for updates regarding the 2024 enrollment and beyond. In the meantime, we welcome you in the medical cannabis certificate program, which starts three times per year: January, May and September! (credits are transferrable towards the MS-MCT).
Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program Overview
30 credits
100% online
Financial aid for those who qualify
Combination of optional recorded live classes and asynchronous assignments
Highly qualified, post-graduate level faculty
The Master's degree in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics (MS-MCT) program prepares graduates to:
- Enter the cannabis industry as healthcare providers, advocates, educators, or coaches.
- Apply evidence-based, conceptual cannabis knowledge to clinical settings.
- Employ best practices in patient assessment, dosing guidelines, and routes of administration.
- Learn to use cannabis science evidence and holistic approaches to educate, coach, and advocate for cannabis patient populations.
- Be thought leaders in coaching and educating cannabis patients, the general public, policy makers, and the medical community.
Timothy Byars
Program Director
Admissions Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in health or science related field or 90 credits in related field.
- Completion of at least one semester of Anatomy/Physiology or a clinical terminal degree or program director’s permission.
- Preferred minimum GPA: 3.0
- Resume or CV
- 300-500-word statement of intent
- English language proficiency
Schedule and Course Delivery
The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics degree program courses are offered online, using a combination of synchronous and self-paced formats. For each seven-week course, two to three weeks are comprised of live classes, while the rest is asynchronous coursework with defined weekly outcomes.
A full-time student can complete the degree program in as few as twenty months. Live classes are delivered in real time, with audio and video connection to faculty and fellow students. The connection among participants is comparable to that of on-site classes with the added benefit of attending from the comfort and convenience of your home. Distance education extends students’ network of opportunities internationally, while Pacific College’s synchronous instructional design fosters camaraderie often exceeding that of on-site models.
Master's in CANNABIS Program Learning Outcomes
- Explain the anatomical and physiological mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system.
- Evaluate evidence-based literature to make informed decisions about medical cannabis (CBD) treatment protocols.
- Critically assess emerging cannabis legislation in the context of historic, legal, and ethical issues.
- Practice a culture of harm reduction with medical cannabis for populational health across the lifespan.
- Apply knowledge of cannabis pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to determine the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of cannabis use.
- Apply holistic, person-based care while respecting patient values within the scope of professional practice.
- Demonstrate a commitment to the therapeutic application of cannabis (CBD) through advocacy, professional development, and interprofessional collaboration.
- Evaluate social justice initiatives to ensure equitable access to the cannabis industry and to cannabis health care.
- Evaluate how bias, structural racism, and social determinants facilitate cannabis healthcare inequities.
Model Curriculum
Term | Course Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
Term 1 | Introduction to Medical Cannabis History and Policy | 3 |
Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System | 3 | |
Term 2 | Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids | 3 |
Advanced ECS and Cannabinoid Pharmacology | 3 | |
Term 3 | Cannabis Research and Evidence-Based Literature Review | 3 |
Ethics, Advocacy, and Public Health: Emerging Issues for Healthcare Professionals | 3 | |
Term 4 | Adverse Effects, Product Safety, and Patient Recommendation Considerations | 3 |
Cannabinoid Therapeutics I: Clinical Applications for Symptom Management | 3 | |
Term 5 | Cannabis Therapeutics II: Clinical Applications for Chronic Conditions | 3 |
Capstone | 3 |
Courses IN THE MS of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics
Click on the image inside any of the thumbnails below to read the course description (note: clicking on the course name will not open the pop-up window).
Introduction to Medical Cannabis History and Policy
Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System ​
Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids
Advanced ECS and Cannabinoid Pharmacology
In this course, students will build on their understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the endocannabinoid system— including the receptors (their locations throughout the body and their physiological relevance), endogenous ligands, and enzymes that metabolize those ligands— and how those parts work together to facilitate biological homeostasis. A focus of this course will be on advanced concepts related to cannabinoid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. While the emphasis on this course is not botany, some attention will be given to cannabinoids and other compounds in the cannabis plant that interact with and influence the ECS. For example, students will evaluate how different routes of administration impact the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of phytocannabinoids. Finally, this course goes beyond the discussion of the cannabinoid receptors and explores how non-cannabinoid receptor mechanisms can influence the ECS.
Cannabis Research and Evidence-Based Literature Review​
Ethics, Advocacy, and Public Health: Emerging Issues for Healthcare Professionals​
Adverse Effects, Product Safety and Patient Recommendation Considerations
Cannabinoid Therapeutics 1 & 2
In these courses, students will be introduced to assessment, symptom management, and therapeutic dosages for cannabis patients. Additionally, students will explore the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids for symptom management. Scientific and clinical evidence will be used to support the clinical use of cannabinoids in a safe and effective manner. These courses focus on the physiology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based cannabinoid treatment strategies for psychiatric, neurological, gastrointestinal, oncological, cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders. Students will also explore the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids on specific conditions and disease states. Scientific and clinical evidence will be used to support the clinical use of cannabinoids in a safe and effective manner, focusing on the physiology, pathophysiology, and evidence-based treatment strategies for psychiatric, neurological, gastrointestinal, oncological, cardiovascular, immunological, respiratory, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Cannabinoid Therapeutics II: Clinical Applications for Chronic Conditions
Capstone​
Master's degree in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics FAQ
Who is eligible for the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program?
To be eligible for the MS in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program, you must have the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in health or science related field or 90 credits in related field.
- Completion of at least one semester of Anatomy/Physiology or a clinical terminal degree or program director’s permission.
- 300-500 word statement of intent.
How long is the Masters in Cannabis Program?
What is the class schedule like for the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program?
What is the tuition fee for the Master in Cannabis?
Is Pacific College of Health and Science accredited?
Does Pacific College of Health and Science offer financial aid?
What are the learning outcomes for a person who graduates with a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics?
Are the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program classes recorded?
Can I recommend medical cannabis upon completion of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program?
Ready to Apply to the Master’s in Medical Cannabis Degree Program?
If you think a career in medical cannabis is something you would like to pursue, contact us and speak to an admissions representative to get started on your new journey!
For more information, call (855) 866-6767 or fill out our contact form to be contacted by a Pacific College representative.