Cannabis Program
The University of Alberta’s North Campus holds a Health Canada institutional research licence that enables eligible researchers to conduct cannabis-related research under a centralized framework, rather than applying individually for a Health Canada research licence for each project.
The Cannabis Program is a joint initiative of the Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) and Vice-President (Research) (VPR) offices that provides coordinated oversight and support for all cannabis-related research activities at the University of Alberta. Core functions include:
- Institutional permitting: Issuance of an institutional permit to conduct work under the University’s research licence.
- Centralized compliance oversight: Developing and maintaining University-wide standards for storage and security, handling practices, documentation, and record-keeping.
- Inventory management: Operating a centralized system to track the receipt, use, transfer, and destruction of cannabis materials in accordance with licence requirements.
- Training and researcher support: Delivering required training and offering guidance to help researchers understand and meet federal and institutional compliance expectations.
- Regulatory support: Preparing and submitting required reports to Health Canada and supporting researchers during inspections or audits.
Eligibility + How to Get Started
Researchers must receive an institutional permit before beginning any cannabis-related work under the institutional licence. Early consultation is encouraged.
For guidance or to discuss a proposed project, please contact kordov@ualberta.ca.
FAQs
- Do I need my own Health Canada licence?
- No, eligible researchers work under the University’s institutional research licence (IRL) once internal authorization is granted.
- What types of cannabis materials are covered under the University’s licence?
- THC, CBD, other cannabinoids, whole plant material, extracts, oils, concentrates, edibles, and derivatives.
- What types of activities are allowed under the IRL?
- Allowable activities include in vivo/in vitro studies (animal); researcher-initiated analytical testing; research cultivation (i.e., small scale performed in growth chambers, etc.); cannabis and non-cannabis product development; non-therapeutic research on cannabis (NTRC); and other research (i.e., educational programs).
- What approvals are required to work under the IRL?
- All individuals who intend to store, transport, transfer, distribute, and / or dispose of cannabis and cannabis materials, must operate under the institutional Cannabis Research Permitting system.
- Can I bring cannabis from outside the University (e.g., personal or commercially purchased products)?
- No, only cannabis acquired through approved institutional procurement pathways may be used for research.
- Can students participate in cannabis-related research?
- Yes, if they are over 18 years of age, are supervised by an authorized PI and have completed the required training.
- What training is required?
- All personnel working with cannabis must complete University-mandated training modules before authorization is granted.
- Can cannabis be used for clinical research at the University?
- Clinical use is subject to separate Health Canada regulations (e.g., Division 5). The institutional cannabis research licence does not replace clinical trial requirements.