The legalization of cannabis has created a burgeoning cannabis job market, both within Canada and internationally. Develop the in-depth skills needed to support cannabis product development, inform process optimization, and address natural product quality, consistency and safety within this emerging industry.
Find your career
Graduates are prepared to work in a range of roles in the evolving cannabis industry and natural product sector including, but not limited to, the following:
- Cannabis quality assurance manager
- Lead processing technician
- Formulation chemist
Is it for you?
You may be well suited for a career in the cannabis industry if you:
- Are flexible and adaptable to change
- Possess strong math and science skills
- Seek out creative and innovative solutions to problems
- Are inquisitive and resourceful
- Have strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Enjoy working as part of a team and exploring new technologies
Experiential learning
This hands-on program is delivered in collaboration with Loyalist’s Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis (ARC), Canada’s only College laboratory approved to conduct research with cannabis under the Narcotic Control Regulations, as listed on the Government of Canada’s website.
Develop the in-demand skills needed for success in the cannabis industry through unparalleled training experiences:
- Study in a Health Canada licensed facility on advanced extraction technologies with an array of state-of-the art analytical instrumentation. A focus on green technologies, such as supercritical CO2 extraction, aligns with industry’s transition away from the use of petrochemical solvents.
- Learn how to apply a range of lab techniques for the extraction and analysis of cannabis to increase the quality, consistency and safety of cannabis and cannabis products.
- Understand relevant legislations, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the cannabis industry, and explore appropriate security and safety protocols.
- Apply your knowledge to real-world challenges through work integrated learning (WIL) with Licensed Producers.
- First Year - Semester One
- BIOL1007 Cannabis Biology
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This course investigates historical factors which have influenced the morphology, distribution and ecology of the cannabis plant. Topics including, but not limited to, taxonomic classification, cultivars, chemovars, cellular and molecular biology, microbiology and genetics of cannabis will be examined.
- CHEM1021 Cannabis Chemistry
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This course will investigate secondary metabolites of the cannabis plant, including, but not limited to, cannabinoids and terpenes.The influence of the organic structure on the physical and chemical properties will also be examined.
- CANN1006 Cannabis Production and Process Optimization
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This course will examine factors that influence variable cannabis production scenarios, design of experiments (DoE) for extraction optimization and processing parameters, and statistical process control (SPC) to monitor production processes. Students will use industry drivers to determine scale-up and economic feasibility.
- CANN1005 Extraction Science for Cannabis
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Students will apply conventional and advanced extraction methods that are used in the cannabis industry.
- LAWS1017 Navigating Cannabis Regulations
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In this course, students will examine relevant municipal, provincial, federal and international legislation, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to various areas of the cannabis industry. Good Agricultural, Manufacturing and Laboratory practices (GAP/GMP/GLP) will be studied. Students will also examine how factors such as funding streams, ethics and economics can affect the credibility of industry research.
- First Year - Semester Two
- CANN1001 Analytical Testing of Cannabis
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This course will introduce methods of sample preparation and analytical testing methods utilized in the cannabis industry. Students will build on knowledge of standard operating procedures, method validation, and good lab practices.
- CANN1000 Cannabis Cultivation Science
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This course will investigate cultivation science and evaluation of the factors influencing plant production, cultivation techniques, organic growing and tissue culture.
- CANN1004 Cannabis Formulation and Product Development
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Cannabis biochemistry and pharmacology will be introduced in this course. The endocannabinoid system will be investigated. Topics specific to formulation of cannabis including, but not limited to, types of formulation (dry powder, liquid, etc.), equipment requirements, characterization techniques and manufacturing considerations. Dose-control, consistent dosing and absorption will be covered, and common modes of administration (oral, topicals, trans-dermals, sub-liquals, vaping, etc.) will be compared and contrasted.
- WKPL1023 Work Integrated Learning
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Leading up to this final module in the program, students will have the opportunity to reflect on topics/courses within the program most interesting to them. Through experiential learning, students will reinforce program outcomes and apply their knowledge and highly relevant skill set in an industry setting and/or in the Applied Research Centre for Natural Products and Medical Cannabis on an industry project. This experience could be focused on the sciences – extraction, analytical testing, quality control, cultivation, formulation, etc. – or an area which is peripheral to the sciences but would be strengthened by a background in science (marketing, communication, project management, regulations, government, etc.).
*Courses subject to change.
Expand your knowledge with a related graduate certificate
Project Management
Turn your diploma into a degree
Many universities across Canada and abroad will provide credit recognition for your post-graduate studies at Loyalist. Contact your university of choice to make individual arrangements.
How much will it cost?
Approximate costs (2020 – 21)
- Domestic Tuition: $2,722.08
- Full-Time Ancillary Fees:* $1,462.43
- Total: $4,184.43
Additional costs, such as supplies, travel and parking, may be incurred during workplace visits, etc.
*Please visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a list of the many services, activities and items included within the ancillary fees, and the related policies.
Bursaries and financial assistance
Loyalist has a number of scholarships, bursaries and academic awards available to students. Our Financial Aid Office can help you explore your options, or assist you with a student loan.
Admission requirements
NOTE: This program has a limited number of seats available for international students.
Required academic preparation
1) Loyalist Diploma in BIOS/ENVR/CHEM
OR
2) A degree or diploma from another college or university which includes completion of the following minimums
a) 336 hours or equivalent to 8 separate semester-long theory courses in chemistry and biology
b) 252 hours or equivalent to 6 separate semester-long lab courses in chemistry and biology
OR
3) A minimum score of 15/24 on the PG Entrance Assessment rubric, related experience within the cannabis industry, and sufficient knowledge assessed through examination.
- Proof of English proficiency.
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Applicants with work experiences or other types of non-credentialed learning may be eligible for credits at Loyalist. Graded credits (as opposed to exemptions) are granted. Click here for more information about our assessment and credit challenge process.
International students
Click here for information about how to apply, international student fees and more.
Campus News
LOYALIST COLLEGE AND NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCEMENT
On Friday, December 6, Loyalist College and Northeastern University will announce a partnership designed to benefit Biosciences and Cannabis Applied Science students, and advance applied cannabis rese... Read More
LOYALIST COLLEGE TO LAUNCH CANADA’S FIRST TECHNOLOGY ACCESS CENTRE ...
Belleville, Ontario, June 13, 2019 – Loyalist College is the recipient of a $1,750,000 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) College and Community Innovation (CCI) Prog... Read More
LOYALIST COLLEGE INTRODUCES CANADA’S FIRST CANNABIS APPLIED SCIENCE ...
Belleville, Ontario, April 19, 2018 – Loyalist College has launched an eight-month Cannabis Applied Science (CSGS) Ontario College post-graduate certificate program with funding approval by the Min... Read More
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