Overview
Learn how cannabis works and how it affects those who consume it
The impact of cannabis legalization in Canada has had an effect on law enforcement, education, transportation, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and legal services. The Science of Cannabis program is designed to prepare students to be critical thinkers about medicinal and non-medicinal cannabis.
- Developed in partnership with the Peter Boris Centre for Addiction Research, the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research and McMaster Continuing Education
- Learn the fundamentals of cannabis, how it works and how it affects users
- Gain in-demand knowledge and skills pertaining to therapeutic applications, as well as the potential risks of cannabis misuse
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Program highlights Learn More
- Discuss current cannabis research
- Current and relevant content covering emerging trends
- Earn a certificate of professional learning
The Science of Cannabis program features:
- Learn from a combination of expert talks, case studies, facilitated group discussions and group work
- Convenient online platform led by industry experts and researchers
- Connect with professional peers across various disciplines

What you'll learn Learn More
- Fundamental knowledge of the science behind cannabis
- Cannabis use for treating medical conditions
- Guidelines for reducing risk with cannabis consumption
Through The Science of Cannabis program, you’ll learn to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the nature of cannabis plants, the therapeutic applications of cannabis and the risks associated with cannabis use
- Identify the different plant species and diverse botanical constituents comprising the cannabis genus
- Articulate the fundamentals of the endocannabinoid system and its relationship to other major neurotransmitter systems in the brain
- Describe the historical evolution of cannabis use and the shifting regulatory frameworks
- Explain psychiatric nosology, the nature of cannabis use disorder, and other psychiatric disorders that are associated with cannabis
- Evaluate the links between cannabis use and accidental injury/death, lung disease, psychotic disorders, abnormal brain development, and diminished lifetime achievement
- Describe the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) for evaluating the evidence basis of medical interventions
- Apply the GRADE system for evaluating the evidence basis for the use of cannabis for treating a medical condition
- Identify the medical conditions for which cannabis may have a curative or palliative role
- Critique the cost-benefit ratio for cannabis in the context of its therapeutic effects and adverse side effects
Learn more about the The Science of Cannabis program
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Pharmacists
- Researchers
- Social Workers
- Counsellors
- Therapists
- Teachers
- Police Officers
- First Responders
Earning a Certificate of Professional Learning in The Science of Cannabis will expand skill sets and benefit professionals from the following areas:
- Healthcare
- Social Services
- Private Sector
Are you a current McMaster University student?
Explore the ElevateYourSkills option to learn how you can earn The Science of Cannabis certificate as part of your degree.
- Use your electives to earn a professional certificate or diploma
- Fully online courses that you can fit into your schedule
- Providing you with real-life career skills and experience before you graduate
Check out our latest Health Program Preview webinar to explore The Science of Cannabis program
What Our Recent Graduates Say

Tracy
Project Management graduate
“I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.”
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate

Adam
Business Administration graduate
“I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.”
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate

Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
“The instructors worked in the marketing field and taught us real-life experiences.”
Obtaining an education with McMaster Continuing Education helped me reinvent my career. I was a former banker and I wanted a career in marketing. Through this program, I was able to bridge that gap and get into the career that I wanted. The instructors were working in the marketing field, teaching us real-life experiences and that was very valuable to me.
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
“I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative.”
I am constantly reinventing myself. McMaster Continuing Education has been transformative. I was introduced to new ideas and new skills. Because of that, I’ve had new opportunities in my career. McMaster Continuing Education is the best place to take professional development courses. The programs fit into your life.
Tracy
Project Management graduate
“I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career.”
I feel very strongly that McMaster Continuing Education can really help you reinvent your career. I found that the Business Administration program was really the best fit for me, because the learning that I was able to take in through this program was really cutting edge and current to the labour market. The learning that I took on is something I use every day.
Adam
Business Administration graduate
“The instructors worked in the marketing field and taught us real-life experiences.”
Obtaining an education with McMaster Continuing Education helped me reinvent my career. I was a former banker and I wanted a career in marketing. Through this program, I was able to bridge that gap and get into the career that I wanted. The instructors were working in the marketing field, teaching us real-life experiences and that was very valuable to me.
Tyson
Business Administration - Marketing graduate
Other programs you may be interested in
Certificate of Professional Learning in The Science of Cannabis
CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL LEARNING in the Science of Cannabis
Advance your skills with a Certificate of Professional Learning in The Science of Cannabis
Explore the requirements below and register today!
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Certificate of Professional Learning in The Science of Cannabis
Earn the Certificate of Professional Learning in The Science of Cannabis by completing all three courses listed
Courses (Complete all 3)
3.0 UNITS
SCC 101
Fundamentals of Cannabis Science
3.0 UNITS
SCC 103
Risks and Harms of Cannabis
Click on the below videos to learn more about The Science of Cannabis program:
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The Science of Cannabis – Program Overview Learn More
Dr. James MacKillop, Director of the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, and Director of the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, oversees the course development for the Science of Cannabis program and provides a comprehensive overview of what participants can expect to learn.
The Science of Cannabis – Program Overview
Fundamentals of Cannabis Science – Course: SCC 101 Learn More
Dr. Michael Amlung discusess the importance of a well-rounded approach to understanding the chemistry and biology of cannabis.
Fundamentals of Cannabis Science – Course: SCC 101
Risks and Harms of Cannabis – Course: SCC 102 Learn More
Dr. Iris Balodis discusess how the course will review possible risks, harms, side effects and potential benefits of cannabis use and misuse.
Risks and Harms of Cannabis – Course: SCC 102
Therapeutic Applications of Cannabis – Course: SCC 103 Learn More
Dr. Jason Busse discusess how to separate fact from fiction with regard to what therapeutic benefits cannabis can provide patients and how clinicians can better understand the research.
Therapeutic Applications of Cannabis – Course: SCC 103
The Science of Cannabis Courses
The Science of Cannabis Courses
Earn the Certificate of Professional Learning in The Science of Cannabis by completing all three courses listed
Explore course options below and register today!
Information Box Group
3.0 UNITS
SCC 101
Fundamentals of Cannabis Science
3.0 UNITS
SCC 103
Risks and Harms of Cannabis
The Science of Cannabis Schedule
THE SCIENCE OF CANNABIS Schedule
This schedule table displays courses planned to be offered this year and is a guide to planning your courses for the academic year. Please note: Spring term registration opens mid-March and Fall/Winter term registration opens mid-July. The schedule table is subject to change. Please visit the course pages to browse classes currently available for registration and the latest cost information. The cost for Science of Cannabis courses is $874.92 per course.
Learning format definitions:
- VC = Virtual Classroom learning format
- O = Online learning format
- OSS = Online Self-Study learning format
For more information about our learning formats and to choose a format that works best for you, please visit our Learning Formats page.
Course Name (Course Code) | Winter 2023 | Spring 2023 |
---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Cannabis Science (SCC 101) |
|
|
Therapeutic Applications of Cannabis (SCC 102) | Date: Jan 16 – Mar 26
Format: O |
|
Risks and Harms of Cannabis (SCC 103) | Date: May 8 – Jul 16
Format: O |