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About cannabis in Florida.

Educating and informing Florida’s minority communities about medical marijuana and the potential consequence to health and well-being from recreational use.

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Learn more about medical marijuana by watching our free courses, or read our frequently asked questions.
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Our Conversations on Cannabis virtual forum invites viewers to engage program guests in discussions on medical marijuana and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana.
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At MMERI, our objective is to Educate Florida's minority communities about marijuana for medical use and the consequences of the unlawful use of marijuana
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What is Delta-8?

Learn more about this controversial form of cannabis

Delta-8 is the latest cannabinoid product legally available to Floridians. It can be found in dispensaries for qualified patients and convenience stores for the general public. But what is Delta-8 and why is it controversial? Join the next Conversations on Cannabis live virtual forum on June 30, 2022 at noon, to hear experts talk about Delta-8 and why there are concerns about using this form of cannabis.

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What People Around Florida Are Saying About Cannabis

Medical marijuana is far better for my anxiety and other conditions than prescribed anti-anxiety meds.

K.P.

Live Oak, FL

I was part of the opiate epidemic and lived through it because of marijuana. I lost my marriage, job, and my health suffered greatly, but I lived. Today, I am 300 pounds lighter, active, and happy because of marijuana.

C.C.

Tallahassee, FL

I've worked with many people in my social services career who believed unlawful use of marijuana was not a big deal, but later realized that it is addictive, illegal, affects your ability to get a job and maintain a routine, and it interfered with their ability to maintain healthy relationships.

D.M.

Tampa, FL

Marijuana helps me cope with my anxiety and depression. It's been helping me for over 10 years.

D.P.

Caryville, FL

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MMERI Rising

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Gain insights from our expert panelists and stakeholders about marijuana for medical use and the consequences of the unlawful use of marijuana.
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Hear experts answer your burning questions about medical marijuana and the impact of illegal marijuana on Florida's diverse communities.

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Marijuana by the Numbers

Arrest Rates
Marijuana use is roughly equal among Blacks and Whites, yet Blacks are 3.73 times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession.

Source: American Civil Liberties Union

IQ Decline
Marijuana affects your brain development. Use by adolescents has been linked to a decline in IQ scores – up to 8 points! Those are points you don’t get back, even if you stop using.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health & Human Services

Marijuana Use
Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States, with 37.6 million users in the past year.

Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, US Department of Health & Human Services

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Welcome from President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website and learn more about Florida A&M University's (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI). When the Florida Legislature beckoned, we welcomed the opportunity to establish MMERI as a vehicle for research and education on medical marijuana. Our specific charge is to inform Florida's diverse communities about medical marijuana and about the impact that unlawful marijuana has on Florida's communities of color.

More from Dr. Robinson