By Kyya Smith
TALLAHASSEE, FL –Florida A&M University (FAMU), Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) has implemented a free public educational platform, in support of its legislative mandate, to educate Florida’s minority populations about marijuana for medical use and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on minority communities.
FAMU MMERI and Learner Mobile have teamed up to bring readily accessible, easily consumable, on-demand information about marijuana to the public. Through the platform, users will discover that MMERI provides new content topics, educational podcasts with guest speakers, such as physicians, law enforcement, medical marijuana practitioners, and other credible resources.
“We are excited to launch this dynamic and engaging learning experience in support of MMERI’s legislative mandate,” said FAMU Vice President for Research and MMERI Principal Investigator, Charles Weatherford, Ph.D. “The interactive platform includes information on obtaining a medical marijuana card, where to purchase it, community events and outreaches, laws and regulations, medical marijuana use for people with addiction, athletes, military veterans with PTSD, and even children.”
MMERI also offers in-person community forums and virtual Conversations on Cannabis on YouTube and Facebook Live. These educational initiatives provide opportunities for the public to engage in discussions on medical marijuana and the impact of unlawful uses of marijuana. Medical marijuana has been a national topic of discussion for some time and was legalized in Florida in 2016. In 2017, the Florida Legislature charged FAMU with the responsibility of educating diverse communities about the lawful and unlawful uses of medical marijuana. As a result, MMERI was established to carry out the mandate as decreed in statute.
“This ‘MMERI On-Demand’ education platform will help inform minorities and diverse populations across our great State about medical and unlawful marijuana use, as well as its socio-economic, legal, public policy, and health care impact,” MMERI Interim Executive Director GP Mendie added. “We are appreciative and proud of the unique leadership role Florida A&M University holds in the cannabis space.”
To learn more, please visit https://educate.mmeri.famu.edu/public for access to the learner experience.
