University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Overview
The cannabis industry is on an unprecedented growth path with many people looking at ways to get into the industry. Universities have the opportunity to be a leading edge of helping future employees prepare for the new landscape that this industry creates. Times like these are rare and those more prepared will benefit hugely; whether that be businesses, government, colleges or employees.
The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy has a Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics to specifically address this opportunity. We have summarized the program here:
Summary of Program
According to the college’s official website, “The two-year program based at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., blends online instruction with face-to-face experiences to prepare graduates to respond to the increasing demand for medical cannabis with an understanding of the basic science and clinical uses of the cannabis plant.”
The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics is the first graduate program in the United States that is dedicated to the study of medical cannabis. “Students will have the opportunity to meet and interact with experts in the science, therapeutics, and policy of medical cannabis at live symposia, while online coursework will allow them flexibility when completing assignments.”
Potential Career Options
Some potential marijuana-related career options that you can expect to be relevant to this course include:
Marijuana lab technician
Potential salary: $80,000 – $120,000
Marijuana dispensary manager
Potential salary: $55,000 – $80,000
Medical marijuana advisor:
Potential salary: $50,000 – $75,000
Ranking of University
According USNews.com, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is ranked #14 in Pharmacy Schools
Course Overview
Below is the full official course overview:
The two-year program based at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, Md., blends online instruction with face-to-face experiences to prepare graduates to respond to the increasing demand for medical cannabis with an understanding of the basic science and clinical uses of the cannabis plant.
The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics is the first graduate program in the United States that is dedicated to the study of medical cannabis. Students will have the opportunity to meet and interact with experts in the science, therapeutics, and policy of medical cannabis at live symposia, while online coursework will allow them flexibility when completing assignments.
The MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics is designed for students who are interested in a career in the medical cannabis industry, whether in a clinical, scientific, or policy role.
The program provides education in following areas:
- Basic science (pharmacology, chemistry, and medical cannabis delivery systems)
- Clinical uses (pathophysiology, assessment, and management of conditions that may be treated by medical cannabis)
- Adverse effects and public health considerations
- Federal and state laws and policies
Students will take five required foundational courses in medical cannabis science, therapeutics, and policy. Students will also be able to choose three elective courses based on their interests. After completing elective courses, all students will take a course in research methods as well as a capstone course comprised of expert seminars, case studies, and discussions.
Coursework is designed to accommodate students with and without a background in science or medicine, and faculty are dedicated to making courses interesting and accessible to all students, regardless of academic background.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Apply knowledge of basic and clinical sciences to identify appropriate candidates for medical cannabis therapy and determine appropriate dosing and administration.
- Apply knowledge of basic science and drug development to assure safe and effective design, development, and manufacture of medical cannabis products.
- Identify areas for future research related to science, health effects, and policy of medical cannabis, and describe the challenges associated with such research.
- Identify, analyze, and advocate for emerging issues related to medical cannabis and health.
- Participate in health-policy decision making processes related to medical cannabis
Are you a prospective student who is interested in learning more about the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics?
Prospective students who have questions about the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics at the School of Pharmacy should contact msmedicalcannabis@rx.umaryland.edu for more information.