Master of Science in Medical Cannabis (Retired)

This program has been retired and is no longer being offered.

The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics program (MS-MCT) prepared students to thrive in the cannabis industry as healthcare providers, advocates, educators, coaches, or entrepreneurs. Graduates learned to use cannabis science evidence and holistic approaches to educate, coach, and advocate for cannabis patient populations.

Please note that this program has been retired and is no longer being offered. We welcome you instead to the online medical cannabis certificate program, which starts three times per year: January, May and September!

Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program Overview

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30 credits

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100% online

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Combination of optional recorded live classes and asynchronous assignments

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Highly qualified, post-graduate level faculty

The Master's degree in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics (MS-MCT) program prepared graduates to:

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Next term starts on January 6th, 2025!
Headshot of Timothy Byars
Currently, some form of cannabis is legal in nearly every state. We’re optimistic that federal cannabis reform is forthcoming. Now more than ever, it’s critical that we address the cannabis educational gap in the medical community, because as more states adopt cannabis reform, more patients will use cannabis and healthcare professionals will treat these patients. The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics program will prepare graduates to apply evidence-based, conceptual cannabis knowledge to clinical settings. Graduates will consider best practices around patient assessment, dosing guidelines, and routes of administration and will serve as thought leaders in coaching and educating cannabis patients, the general public, policy makers, and the medical community.
Timothy Byars
Program Director
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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 were offered online, using a combination of synchronous and self-paced formats. For each seven-week course, two to three weeks were comprised of live classes, while the rest was asynchronous coursework with defined weekly outcomes.

A full-time student could complete the degree program in as few as twenty months. Live classes were delivered in real time, with audio and video connection to faculty and fellow students. The connection among participants was comparable to that of on-site classes, with the added benefit of attending from the comfort and convenience of home. Distance education extended students’ network of opportunities internationally, while Pacific College’s synchronous instructional design fostered camaraderie often exceeding that of on-site models.

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Master's in CANNABIS Program Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of this program, our alumni are able to:

  1. Explain the anatomical and physiological mechanisms of the endocannabinoid system.
  2. Evaluate evidence-based literature to make informed decisions about medical cannabis (CBD) treatment protocols.
  3. Critically assess emerging cannabis legislation in the context of historic, legal, and ethical issues.
  4. Practice a culture of harm reduction with medical cannabis for populational health across the lifespan.
  5. Apply knowledge of cannabis pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to determine the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of cannabis use.
  6. Apply holistic, person-based care while respecting patient values within the scope of professional practice.
  7. Demonstrate a commitment to the therapeutic application of cannabis (CBD) through advocacy, professional development, and interprofessional collaboration.
  8. Evaluate social justice initiatives to ensure equitable access to the cannabis industry and to cannabis health care.
  9. Evaluate how bias, structural racism, and social determinants facilitate cannabis healthcare inequities.
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Model Curriculum

(30 total credits)
TermCourse TitleCredits
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
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 I: Clinical Applications for Symptom Management

Cannabinoid Therapeutics II: Clinical Applications for Chronic Conditions
Capstone​

Master's degree in Medical
Cannabis Therapeutics FAQ

Who was eligible for the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program?

To be eligible for the MS in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program, students must have had 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 was the Masters in Cannabis Program?

The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program was comprised of 10 total courses (30 credits total) with each course being 7 weeks long. The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program can be achieved in as few as 20 months.

What was the class schedule like for the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program?

The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program was offered online, using a combination of live classes and self-paced assignments. For each 7-week course, 2-3 weeks were scheduled, live classes while the remaining classes were self-paced with specific assignment due dates.

What was the tuition fee for the Master in Cannabis?

The MS in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program was $530 per credit for a total tuition of $15,900.

Is Pacific College of Health and Science accredited?

Yes. Pacific College is regionally accredited by WSCUC (WASC) (see www.acswasc.org for more information).

Did Pacific College of Health and Science offer financial aid?

Yes, Pacific College of Health and Science offered financial aid to those who qualified.

What were the learning outcomes for alumni of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics?

Alumni can evaluate evidence-based literature to make informed decisions about medical cannabis treatment protocols, apply knowledge of cannabis pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics to determine the safety, efficacy, and appropriateness of cannabis use and more.

Were the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program classes recorded?

Yes, the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program classes were recorded.

Can alumni recommend medical cannabis upon completion of the Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program?

The Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Therapeutics Program prepared graduates for consultation regarding medical cannabis, but requirements have evolved. We encourage you to check your specific state requirements.

Looking for Medical Cannabis education?

If you think a career in medical cannabis is something you would like to pursue, we encourage you to look into the online Medical Cannabis certificate program or 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.