Program Details

The CPP graduate certificate is designed for pharmacists, physicians, nurses, physician assistants, behavioral health providers, biomedical researchers and public health and regulatory professionals who want to optimize clinical outcomes, deepen their pharmacology expertise, and serve emerging patient populations.

You'll complete 12 credits across two semesters Fall and Spring through a blend of asynchronous recorded lectures and live, case-based Zoom discussions led by clinical experts, researchers, medicinal plant chemists, pharmacologists and policy leaders.

What You'll Gain

• A deep understanding of cannabinoid and psychedelic pharmacology, including mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics and molecular targets
• Skills to develop evidence-based treatment strategies for indications such as PTSD, major depressive disorder, chronic pain and cancer-related distress
• The ability to identify and mitigate drug-drug interactions and adverse effects
• Literacy in the legal and regulatory frameworks shaping cannabis and psychedelic therapeutics including Colorado's Natural Medicine Health Act, DEA scheduling and FDA approval pathways
• A foundation in the ethical, cultural and historical dimensions of these therapies

Why Choose CU Anschutz

• One of the first U.S. graduate certificates to integrate cannabinoid AND psychedelic pharmacotherapeutics into a single curriculum.
• Faculty leadership: Taught by experts in natural products chemistry, neuropharmacology, clinical practice, and policy including David Kroll, PhD, Professor of Natural Products Pharmacology & Toxicology, and a CU President's Teaching Scholar.
• Flexible online delivery with recorded lectures and live evening Zoom sessions designed for working professionals.
• Connected to a national research ecosystem: CU Denver's Center for Psychedelic Research and CU Anschutz's collaboration with NYU on psilocybin-assisted therapy trials for late-stage cancer patients.
• Proven track record: Builds on the original Cannabis Science and Medicine certificate, which has graduated 20+ pharmacists, physicians, nurses, PAs, and graduate students since Fall 2020—seven of whom advanced into the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Pathway to MS: All 12 credits apply toward the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Curriculum Overview

Fall Semester — Core Requirements (7 credits)

PHSC 7700 – Cannabinoid & Psychedelic Pharmacology (4 credits, full semester)
A foundational course exploring mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and interactions with G-protein coupled receptors and other molecular targets, with emphasis on the neurobiology of therapeutic effects.

PHSC 6710 – Cannabinoid & Psychedelic Therapeutics: Neurology and Mental Health (3 credits, second half)
Clinical application of cannabinoids and psychedelics for MDD, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases through trial data, treatment protocols, and case studies.

Spring Semester — Core Requirements (5 credits)

PHSC 6720 – Cannabinoid & Psychedelic Therapeutics: Pain, Oncology Supportive Care, and At-Risk Populations (3 credits, first half)
Cannabinoids and psychedelics in chronic pain, cancer symptom management, palliative care, and complex patient populations.

PHSC 6730 – Legal and Regulatory Issues in Cannabis & Psychedelic Therapeutics (2 credits, second half)
DEA scheduling, FDA approval pathways, Colorado's Natural Medicine Health Act, and ethical considerations.

Elective Option

PHSC 7710 – Chemical Analysis of Cannabis & Psychedelics (3 credits, full semester)
May substitute for one therapeutics course. Covers chemical composition, analytical techniques for cannabinoid and terpene profiling, and quality control.
Sequence Note: PHSC 7700 must be completed before either therapeutics course. 

Admissions

The CPP certificate program is open to applicants who:

• Hold a B.S. or B.A. in a biological, chemical, pharmaceutical, or medical science from an accredited institution; OR 
• Are currently enrolled in a health sciences professional program (MD, DO, PA, PharmD, DMD/DDS, or nursing  LPN, RN, BSN, APRN); OR
• Are a licensed or credentialed healthcare professional (physician, nurse, pharmacist, PA); OR
• Are employed in a public health, regulatory, or allied health profession with demonstrated interest in cannabis or psychedelic pharmacotherapeutics.

Application Materials

To apply for the Graduate Certificate in Cannabinoid & Psychedelic Pharmacotherapy, you will need to submit the following application materials by the deadline:

• Application fee
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• Statement of Purpose (1,000–1,200 words) outlining interest, background, and professional goals
• Resume/CV
• English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS) for international applicants unless degree was earned in an English-speaking country

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior coursework in pharmacology, physiology, neuroscience, or biomedical sciences
• Clinical or research experience in healthcare, pharmacy, behavioral health, or public health
• Demonstrated interest in cannabis or psychedelic science through academic, professional, or advocacy work

Tuition & Fees

At CU Anschutz, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education without breaking the bank. When you earn your CPP graduate certificate, you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your healthcare career.

We can answer any of your questions about tuition costs, help you take care of paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your CU Anschutz degree.

Application fee: $50 (U.S.) / $75 (International)

Total tuition cost for the Cannabinoid & Psychedelic Pharmacotherapy graduate certificate*:

• 12 credit hours: $9,276

*Estimated tuition costs. Additional fees may apply.

Faculty

• David J. Kroll, PhD — Professor and Director, MS & Certificate Programs in Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences; CU President's Teaching Scholar
• Jacquelyn Bainbridge, PharmD, FCCP, MSCS — Professor of Clinical Pharmacy; pharmacist on the CU Anschutz–NYU psilocybin clinical trial
• Laura Borgelt, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS — Professor and Associate Dean for Administration and Operations
• Kelsey Schwander, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCNP — Assistant Professor, Clinical Pharmacy
• Gina Moore, PharmD, MBA — Associate Dean for Operations and Clinical Professor; state-level cannabis policy advisor
• Nichole Reisdorph, PhD — Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Director, Mass Spectrometry Core Facility
• Bryan Corey, MS — Instructor, Pharmaceutical Sciences; co-director of PHSC 7710

Apply Now

As you consider an online education, we understand that it’s important for you to know that you’re getting a high-quality, affordable, and flexible education that helps you reach your goals. That’s why we're available to offer guidance and answer any questions that you may have about our programs, financial aid options, transfer information, admissions requirements, and more.