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University of Lynchburg launches new Cannabis Career Certificate programs with partnership

University of Lynchburg launches new Cannabis Career Certificate programs in
partnership with Green Flower
 
The University of Lynchburg has launched a new suite of online Cannabis Career Certificate
programs, developed in partnership with Green Flower, the leader in cannabis education.

The following new courses align with the cannabis industry’s most in-demand job sectors,
creating a clear, credible path for students to enter the industry:
● Cannabis Associate Certificate (8 weeks, $850) — Provides a comprehensive
foundation in cannabis policy, plant science, industry sectors, and compliance essentials,
giving students the knowledge and vocabulary employers expect when hiring. This
program makes students job-ready for entry-level roles across the industry in just eight
weeks.
● Cannabis Cultivation Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) — Prepares students for
cultivation roles across indoor, outdoor, and greenhouse environments.
● Cannabis Product Development Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) — Teaches students
how to develop cannabis products from extraction to finished goods, including
concentrates, edibles, beverages, topicals, and more.
● Cannabis Retail & Sales Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) — Equips students with
product knowledge, sales skills, and operational best practices to succeed in dispensary
and brand sales roles.
● Cannabis Compliance Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) — Trains students to manage
compliance across cultivation, retail, and manufacturing operations.
● Medical Cannabis Specialist (16 weeks, $2,200) — Equips students to guide safe and
effective cannabis use, preparing them for roles in clinics, dispensaries, and other
patient-focused settings.
 
“We’re proud to collaborate with Green Flower to deliver high-quality, workforce-aligned
cannabis education,” said John A. Zinn III, executive director of the Professional Development
Institute. “We’ve seen the strongest interest in medical and healthcare-focused cannabis
courses, which aligns with the University of Lynchburg’s strengths in health sciences and
medical education.”
 
The first cohort begins on Tuesday, Jan. 13, with new start dates offered every eight weeks. To
learn more about the new courses and enroll, visit pdi.lynchburg.edu.
 
Courses feature 50-plus cannabis industry leaders and subject-matter experts, updated
curricula, accessible pricing, and robust career support through Green Flower’s Cannabis
Career Resource Center — all designed to help people start or grow their cannabis careers.
 
Recognizing that education alone isn’t enough for career success, Green Flower and the
University of Lynchburg provide every certificate student with access to the Cannabis Career
Resource Center, which offers:
● Continuing Education Hub — Additional resources covering resume and interview
support, leadership development, and cannabis entrepreneurship.
● Employer Access — Direct links to vetted cannabis companies actively hiring for
in-demand roles.
● Exclusive LinkedIn Community — A private group for students and alumni to connect,
collaborate, and grow professionally.
 
“These new Cannabis Career Certificates are built to match exactly what employers are hiring
for in each sector of the cannabis industry,” said Max Simon, Green Flower’s CEO and founder.

About Green Flower
Founded in 2014, Green Flower is the industry leader in cannabis education, empowering
thousands of professionals, regulators, and businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to
succeed in the legal cannabis industry.
 
Green Flower’s content and technology platform powers cannabis education programs at
leading universities and colleges nationwide and provides learning and compliance solutions for
cannabis companies of all sizes.
 
About the Professional Development Institute:
The Professional Development Institute empowers individuals, organizations, and communities
by providing high-quality noncredit certificates, professional training programs, and lifelong
learning opportunities.
 
Through flexible online courses, strategic industry partnerships, and a learner-centered mission,
PDI helps people build skills, advance careers, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
Learn more at pdi.lynchburg.edu.
 
Media Contact:
John A. Zinn III, Executive Director
Professional Development Institute
pdi@lynchburg.edu | 434-544-885