Certified Medical Cannabis Pharmacist (CMCaP)

CMCaP (MCC-001) Exam Objectives

This exam certifies that the candidate possesses the scientific and clinical knowledge required to counsel patients and consult with providers on the safe and appropriate use of medical cannabis products.

Domain 1: Foundational Cannabis Science (30%)

• The Endocannabinoid System (ECS): Describe the components of the ECS (receptors, endocannabinoids, enzymes) and its role in regulating physiological processes.
• Pharmacology of Cannabinoids and Terpenes: Compare and contrast the mechanisms of action and pharmacologic effects of delta-9-THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Describe the role of major terpenes.
• Pharmacokinetics and Formulations: Explain how different routes of administration (inhalation, oral, sublingual, topical) affect the onset, duration, and bioavailability of cannabinoids.

Domain 2: Clinical Applications and Patient Assessment (35%)

• Patient Assessment: Conduct a clinical assessment to determine if medical cannabis is an appropriate therapeutic option, identifying potential benefits and risks.
• Evidence Evaluation: Evaluate the strength of clinical evidence for using cannabinoids to treat specific conditions (e.g., chronic pain, CINV, epilepsy).
• Dosing and Administration: Recommend appropriate starting doses, titration schedules, and product cannabinoid ratios (THC:CBD) based on the patient’s condition.
• Contraindications and Special Populations: Identify contraindications and describe precautions for use in special populations (e.g., adolescents, pregnant women, elderly).

Domain 3: Product Knowledge and Safety (20%)

• Product Selection: Interpret product labels and Certificates of Analysis (CoA) to verify potency, purity, and safety.
• Drug-Drug Interactions: Identify potential pharmacokinetic (CYP450) and pharmacodynamic interactions between cannabinoids and conventional medications.
• Adverse Effects Management: Counsel patients on how to recognize and manage common adverse effects of cannabis use (e.g., impairment, anxiety, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome).

Domain 4: Legal and Regulatory Landscape (15%)

• State vs. Federal Law: Differentiate between federal law (Schedule I status) and varying state laws regarding the medical use of cannabis.
• State Program Compliance: Describe the typical requirements for patient registration, physician certification, and dispensary operations under a state medical cannabis program.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to sit for a CPS certification exam, candidates must meet the criteria outlined in one of the two pathways below.

Pathway 1: For U.S. Licensed Pharmacists

This pathway is for pharmacists licensed to practice within the United States, regardless of country of graduation.

• Hold an active and unrestricted pharmacist license in any state or territory of the United States.
• Meet educational requirements by being a graduate of an ACPE-accredited school of pharmacy or holding a Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee® (FPGEC) Certificate.
• Fulfill the specialty experience requirement as outlined below.

Pathway 2: For International Pharmacists (Non-U.S. Licensed)

This pathway is for pharmacists who practice outside of the United States.

• Hold an active and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in their country of practice. A certified English translation of the license must be provided if the original is not in English.
• Hold a professional degree in pharmacy equivalent to a U.S. pharmacy degree, such as a Bachelor’s degree (BPharm), Master’s degree in Pharmacy Practice (MPharm), or Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD).
• Fulfill the specialty experience requirement as outlined below.

Specialty Experience Requirement (for all pathways)

To ensure candidates have foundational knowledge in the specialty, one of the following criteria must be met:

• Standard Pathway:
  Completion of at least one year of professional experience in a practice setting directly related to the certification area.
• Certificate Pathway:
  The one-year specialty experience requirement is waived for candidates who hold an active certificate of completion from a nationally recognized provider in a related subject matter. This includes, but is not limited to, the completion of a relevant PGY residency, fellowship, certificate/training program, or a relevant graduate degree (e.g., a Master's degree in the specialty field). Recognized providers of certificate programs include, but are not limited to:
  • American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
  • American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
  • American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
  • American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)

Career Path for CMCaP Professionals

The CMCaP certification is for pharmacists who are leaders in patient care in the emerging field of medical cannabis. This credential provides a competitive advantage for roles in clinical consultation, dispensary management, and public health.

Target Candidates

• Pharmacists working in or managing medical cannabis dispensaries.
• Ambulatory care pharmacists who counsel patients with qualifying conditions.
• Pharmacists with an interest in pain management, oncology, or neurology.
• Public health and policy pharmacists.

Primary Job Roles:

• Medical Cannabis Pharmacist / Consultant
• Dispensary Manager or Director of Pharmacy
• Clinical Director for a cannabis company
• Public Health Policy Advisor
• Medical Science Liaison (Cannabinoid Science)

Career Advancement:

A CMCaP is positioned to take on leadership roles that shape the standards of practice for medical cannabis. Opportunities include owning a consulting practice, becoming a director of clinical operations for a multi-state operator, or working with state and federal agencies to develop sensible regulations.

Study Resources

Prepare for your CMCaP exam with resources focused on the science and clinical practice of medical cannabis.