By Brian Howard
Florida A&M University (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) will host Conversations on Cannabis – What’s New in Florida – Virtual Forum on Monday, August 31 at 7 p.m.
The Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum is designed to educate, learn and talk with Floridians about the basics of medical marijuana and the unlawful use of marijuana.
The first episode of the forum, What’s New in Florida?, will be streamed live on Zoom and Facebook, beginning at 7 p.m. with introduction of the panel, featuring Holly Bell, director of cannabis at the Florida Department of Agriculture, and Dr. Terel Newton, MD, anesthesiologist, Acute Pain Relief.
As the use of medical marijuana and illegal marijuana becomes more prevalent in our society many questions have risen as to how marijuana can and should be used.
Among the topics covered during the forum will be how to obtain a medical marijuana ID card, what is legal in Florida and what to do with a card versus what not to do.
“We are excited to welcome everyone to the MMERI webinar and hope to educate, learn, and talk about marijuana for medical use and the impact of unlawful use in minority communities,” said MMERI Interim Director Patricia Green-Powell, Ph.D. “The event will strengthen partnerships going forward and share ideas from our panelists, Holly Bell and Terel Newton.”
Powell said that anytime there is an opportunity to connect with these panelists, the forum will provide a greater understanding about the information and about cannabis.
“As our momentum in the state of Florida and community builds regarding marijuana for medical use and the impact of unlawful use, so do these types of opportunities to partner with thought leaders in the cannabis space,” she said.
Bell oversees the development of rules and works directly with scientific experts and ensures Commissioner Nikki Fried’s vison for cannabis in Florida and its continued moving forward. She works closely with the department’s division of plant industry on developing Florida’s hemp industry, including the production, processing, inspecting, and manufacturing of industrial hemp. In addition, Bell also continues to monitor the actions of the Florida Department of Health as it relates to medical marijuana.
Newton is certified to recommend medical cannabis. He specializes and is experienced in trauma and injury patient evaluations, uncovering missed diagnoses, pre-anesthetic/pre-surgical evaluations, and advanced techniques in interventional pain management. Newton has related certifications in medical cannabis recommendations, Florida medical cannabis dispensary director and addition medicine (opioid dependence).
To submit questions and register for the event, visit https://www.eventbrite.com and to learn about the MMERI program, visit mmeri.famu.edu
