Welcome
I pray that you, your families, your loved ones, and your friends are all safe and doing well. Our world, nation, states and local communities have changed rapidly over the past weeks due to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. This is an unprecedented time in our history.
We, the members of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI), want to assure and reassure you that your health, safety and well-being, as well as the need to protect those of you who are most vulnerable, are our primary concern during this most difficult and trying time. These enduring values are guiding MMERI as we face the difficult challenge of responding appropriately to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
We understand that this is a time filled with uncertainty but remain optimistic as we see our audience and stakeholders leverage our platform to educate, communicate, inform and innovate. And, as always, we are here to provide you information about marijuana for medical use, and the unlawful use of marijuana.
We have three (3) Goals:
- Educate Florida’s diverse minority communities about marijuana for medical use, and the consequences of unlawful use of marijuana;
- Increase the body of evidence-based studies that promote and advance knowledge and pedagogy about marijuana for medical use and the consequences of unlawful use of marijuana; and
- Conduct ongoing assessment and evaluation of the effectiveness and impact of the MMERI project
With these engaging goals in mind, you will find us on radio, television, social media, and online course delivery. We are committed to you and to improving your life, and your family’s, and your communities.
Again, during this challenging time, your health, safety and well-being are our primary concern. We encourage all of you to practice social distancing and follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) to help slow the spread of coronavirus/COVID-19.
Be Safe and Healthy,
Patricia Green-Powell, Ph.D.
Interim Executive Director, MMERI
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Education
MMERI has developed a Basic Education Course
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The goal of the MMERI Basic Education course is to educate participants about marijuana for medical use and the impact of unlawful use of marijuana. The course is designed to provide a basic overview which includes: definitions; a history of marijuana use; criminalization; changes in perception; Florida Law; medicinal uses; medical marijuana qualifying conditions, qualifying physicians, unlawful marijuana use and mental illness, information from the Florida Department of Health’s Office of Medical Marijuana Usage; safety issues in administering medical marijuana; prevention of unlawful use; intervention strategies and referral resources for assistance.
Information for the course is gleaned from community forums held around the state, MMERI Forum Radio Podcasts, evidence-based pedagogy, and research from various areas, including the Florida Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),National Institute of Health (NIH), etc.
Additionally, a pre- and post-test has been developed to establish a participant’s baseline learning and to measure gains in knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
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Research
MMERI On-going, Evidence-Based Studies
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MMERI's efforts encompass education and research. Under the direction of Dr. Cynthia Hughes-Harris, MMERI's Research Director and the Dean of FAMU's School of Allied Health Sciences, MMERI funded 21 professors through 14 research mini-grants. The professors are looking at various aspects of medical marijuana, including criminal justice issues involving children, the placement of dispensaries,and much more.
Results for these research projects are expected out by Fall 2020. Dr. Hughes-Harris notes that the purpose of research is to pose questions and get answers. She adds, "FAMU has consistently served the community and is looking at some of the critical issues that will surely impact our diverse minority communities and we are excited to share what we learn."
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What You Should Know: Q & A
What is the Law in Florida?
- The main element, Section 381.986, Florida Statutes (F.S.), allows for the use of medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis by qualified patients as certified by a qualified physician
What is Lawful?
- Qualified patients can use medical marijuana at home or on private property. Currently, students in dorms or other campus properties cannot use medical marijuana on site
- Medical marijuana is not to be shared with anyone else
- Although medical marijuana is available in Florida, it remains illegal according to the federal government
- Because of the federal law, you can’t take your medical marijuana outside of Florida
- Medical marijuana may only be purchased at a licensed Medical Marijuana Treatment Center – either at a dispensing location or via delivery
Information Regarding Marijuana Use
in Adolescence
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Florida’s medical marijuana law allows the use of medical marijuana and low-THC cannabis by patients under the age of 18, as recommended by the patient’s qualified physician. However, marijuana use in adolescence can have potentiallyharmful and long-lasting effects on a teen’s health and well-being. It is important for minors and their caregivers to be aware of the possible health effects in order to make a well-informed decision about whether medical marijuana is right for them or a loved one.
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MMERI Forum Radio & Videocast
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Florida A&M University's MMERI Expands
Statewide Radio Show, Launches Videocast
Florida A&M University's (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) launched
MMERI Forum Radio which is now in its second season. We have completed 26 episodes featuring leading cannabis experts and practitioners in the areas of medicine, pharmacy, law enforcement, spirituality and more.
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Our programming is designed to inform and educate the public about marijuana for medical use and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on Florida's diverse communities.
Though our successful community forums are on hiatus due to the pandemic, you can still get this great information on the radio, videocast and our podcast on the iHeart Radio platform. All episodes can be found on the website at
mmeri.famu.edu.
MMERI Forum Radio features co-hosts Patricia Green-Powell, Ph.D., MMERI interim executive director, Cynthia Hughes-Harris, Ph.D., MMERI research director and dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences, Angela Hardiman, MMERI public affairs liaison and Carol Angela Davis MMERI communications liaison and FAMU associate director of communications.
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During this time of social distancing, we have created another digital asset to keep you engaged. Please
visit our website to view upcoming episodes of MMERI Videocast featuring guest experts discussing marijuana for medical use and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana.
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MMERI on the Move:
Engagement Schedule
Date To Be Determined – Community Forum (Orlando, FL)
Region: East Central
Time:
To Be Determined
Location:
To Be Determined
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Contact:
Patricia Green-Powell,
PhD
MMERI Interim Executive Director
(850) 561-2456
Angela Hardiman
MMERI Public Affairs Liaison
(850) 561-2522
Carol Angela Davis,
JD
FAMU Associate Director of Communications,
MMERI Communications Liaison
(850) 294-5270
Cynthia Hughes Harris,
PhD
Dean, FAMU School of Allied Health Sciences,
MMERI Research Chair
(850) 599-3818
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CONTACT US:
Florida A&M University
Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI)
625 E. Tennessee Street, Suite 210 • Tallahassee, Florida 32308
(850) 561-2456
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