University of Lynchburg launches cannabis certificate course

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — A new course at the University of Lynchburg is partnering with Green Flower, an organization that creates cannabis curriculum.

Green Flower partners with universities for cannabis certificate programs, and U of L is the latest to join.

"Virginia has been on our radar for a long time because the industry is really just forming and picking up momentum and we wanted to connect with a school that would be excited about training this workforce in this new developing industry," said Max Simon, CEO of Green Flower.

The six-month online course caters to healthcare and medicine. It's taught by medical professionals and experts and explores how marijuana can be used medicinally.

John Zinn, the Executive Director of the Professional Development Institute at U of L, said there's a need for more education on this topic.

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"We know many of our practitioners and even alumni of the university are in clinical settings and they're increasingly being asked about cannabis as a treatment option," Zinn said.

In light of a bill heading to Governor Youngkin's desk that would legalize recreational marijuana sales, experts say this course will provide more knowledge on the topic of cannabis as a whole.

"Professionals in the industry really need to have credible knowledge and credible answers to be able to guide people to the products and solutions that work best for them," Simon said.

For the University of Lynchburg, it's all about helping to keep people safe.

"We're focused on education, we want to make sure practitioners and dispensaries have the trusted knowledge they need to consult with their patients and clients," Zinn said.

If you're interested in learning more about the course, or signing up yourself, you can find more information here.