University of Rhode Island rolls out online cannabis studies certificate course for students and industry professionals

The certificate program, which begins in September (the application process closes in August), aims to provide graduates with a depth of knowledge about the safe production and dissemination of cannabis-related information and products, said URI.

“Being one of the first undergraduate certificate programs in cannabis studies in the country, the University will be leading the scholarship of this growing field to improve scientific rigor and address public health and safety concerns,”​ said Professor Navindra Seeram, chair of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

“The skills developed through the certificate program will prepare students for the evolving and expanding cannabis industry. Students who complete the certificate will be highly competitive in several areas of the cannabis industry.”​

The first program will introduce the fundamentals (including the regulations around hemp and marijuana) and acquaint students with a limited science background to the key chemical and pharmacological principles necessary to successfully continue their studies.

The remaining courses will develop core competencies in natural product separation and analysis, safe product development and manufacturing, and the evaluation of the therapeutic potential of cannabis. The virtual laboratory experience will introduce students to state-of-the-art equipment for cannabis chemistry analysis and testing of cannabis-related products.

The certificate program offered through the College’s Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences department is delivered by leaders in natural product research, including phytocannabinoids such as CBD.

Jill Firtell, assistant director of online program development, commented: “The program is geared toward people who are in the business or want to be in the business but may not have the foundational science background. ​

“These classes are steeped in pharmacology and therapeutics, taught by professionals from the College of Pharmacy. This program gives them the education they need to be knowledgeable in all aspects of the cannabis field. It’s a really exciting program; there aren’t a lot of them out there.”​

The certificate consists of four 3-credit courses each lasting seven weeks, including Foundations of Cannabis Studies, Cannabis Product Development (including comparing hemp products found in stores), Cannabis Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, and Cannabis Therapeutics.

Students successfully completing the course will earn a 12-credit certificate. For more information, please click HERE​​.