Program Overview

Medicinal use of cannabis and legalization for recreational use in certain states creates a steep increase in the need for scientists who can research cannabis chemistry, extract and isolate compounds from the plant, understand laws and regulations, and assure purity and quality of products in the marketplace.

In the cannabis chemistry program at Wilkes, you’ll work alongside uniquely qualified faculty with expertise in chemistry, biology, pharmacology and neuroscience. They bring experience in analyzing cannabinoid compounds, the botany and physiology of medicinal plants, and growing plants in controlled environments.

This program meets requirements for American Chemical Society approval, so graduates qualify for ACS certification. That means you’re better prepared for technical careers in the cannabis industry and beyond.

What Will You Learn as a Cannabis Chemistry Student?

• Gain knowledge in a comprehensive curriculum that includes analytical, organic, inorganic and physical chemistry as well as biochemistry and biology as you partner with highly qualified faculty.
• Explore language, tools, practical and regulatory challenges, and ethical issues in cannabis science during annual seminar courses.
• Get hands-on experience growing hemp in the University greenhouse and growth chambers.
• Learn fundamentals and gain hand-on experience in extraction methods of medicinally important compounds from plant materials.
• Learn fundamentals of chemical analysis of extracts from cannabis plants and products and how to ensure purity, quality and safety in the community.
• Develop skills using state-of-the-art chemical separations and analysis instrumentation for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of cannabis-related compounds and contaminants.
• Take interdisciplinary coursework in medicinal chemistry, toxicology, hemp biology and plant physiology.
• Enhance research skills with opportunities to participate in faculty-mentored summer projects.
• Apply your knowledge in a senior capstone project related to production and characterization of cannabinoid products.