LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Bellarmine University launched the first cannabis education certificate program at a public university in Kentucky will offer classes focusing on the cannabis industry starting in January. According to a news release, the certificate courses are open to anyone, but are designed for entrepreneurs, agriculturalists, healthcare providers and legal professionals interested in the field of cannabis.

Bellarmine is offering four courses including cannabis business, agriculture and cultivation, compliance and risk management, along with health care and medicine. 

"With the legal and regulatory framework for cannabis evolving in Kentucky, the time was right for Bellarmine to offer the Commonwealth a comprehensive set of courses on the topic," Dr. Mark Wiegand, Bellarmine’s vice president for academic affairs and provost, said in a news release. "Helping Kentuckians access the most up-to-date knowledge and expertise in different aspects of this industry will ensure that our state is well-prepared to realize the full economic, workforce and consumer benefits associated with cannabis while assuring citizens that the products cultivated or sold in Kentucky comply with applicable standards and best practices."

State law allows Kentuckians with severe medical conditions to use prescribed medical marijuana, which can be grown and sold in Kentucky for medicinal purposes starting Jan. 1, 2025.

The courses are also available online for six-month sessions. Instructors are selected by Green Flower.

To learn more about the program, click here.

Sullivan University also launched a Cannabusiness Studies Certificate in 2021. It's a nine-month, 24-credit hour course held online. It's purpose is to prepare students for entry-level positions within the cannabusiness industry.

There is a $30 application fee for the certificate program and it's $420 per credit hour. For a full list of courses and requirements CLICK HERE.

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