Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) advances its community initiatives with the launch of its website and public repository.
Direct link to the MMERI repository: http://famu.digital.flvc.org/islandora/object/famu%3Aroot?page=1.
Link to MMERI Website: http://mmeri.famu.edu.
The website is designed to inform and educate the public about medical marijuana and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on Florida’s diverse communities. The initial launch features many aspects of the MMERI campaign, including infographics, the researchers and research projects currently being conducted by MMERI, a link to the repository, press clippings and MMERI podcasts and videos.
MMERI Interim Executive Director Patricia Green-Powell, Ph.D. says as an educator it is important to provide information in every way possible, to reach every person possible, in the most convenient way possible. Green-Powell adds, “with this in mind, we created our website and public repository so that at any time, any person can keep up with our progress and access information about medical marijuana and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana.”
Dean of University Libraries Faye Watkins said the repository lives in FAMU’s Digital Resource Center.
“This online repository provides open access to materials that have been created in the areas of communications, community engagement, education, and research,” Watkins said. “Providing online access to the Initiative’s documentation and new research materials will continually support the educational and research goals of the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative.”
The MMERI was launched in response to the Florida Legislature’s funding allocation to educate “minorities about marijuana for medical use and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on minority communities.” As part of the 2017 legislation, FAMU receives $10 for every $75 identification card purchased by individuals approved to buy medical marijuana.
MMERI’s objective is to establish the University as a touchstone center for marijuana information, fill in the gaps in medical marijuana research particularly as it relates to diverse communities and to inform public policy, in Florida and beyond, about the impact and issues presented by the developing marijuana industry.
