MMERI OnDemand is live! Click here to learn more.

Educate. Learn. Talk.

About cannabis in Florida.

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

Explore Our Free Resources

Find answers to your marijuana questions

Learn more about medical marijuana by watching our free modules, or read our frequently asked questions.

Hear advice from leaders in your community

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.

Join our in-person community events

Learn more about upcoming events in your community.

Explore more resources

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We're Here to Help You Move Forward

At MMERI, our objective is to Educate Florida's multi-cultural population about marijuana for medical use and the consequences of the unlawful use of marijuana
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MMERI OnDemand is Live!

MMERI OnDemand is our newest education offering, featuring short, interactive modules covering all things cannabis. In collaboration with our partners and cannabis experts, we're pleased to offer short lessons on a multitude of topics, from medical marijuana treatments and caregiver insights to guidelines for the lawful and unlawful use of medical marijuana. Visit MMERI OnDemand today to learn more about medical marijuana and how to subscribe and engage with us.

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.

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

I'm using medical cannabis. Because of work, I sometimes travel between states. Since not all the states are on the same page on the legality of this plant from earth, I sometimes have to be without my medication or scared I might get arrested if I take my medicine while I'm working in a state that is against marijuana.

B.S.

With a PTSD diagnosis and chronic pain, marijuana helps me get through it.

C.L.

I am a Registered Nurse recently diagnosed with breast cancer and am having internal struggles with using medical marijuana being that it is still illegal on the federal level and risking my licensure.

K.K

I received my medical marijuana card while on probation after being incarcerated and sentenced to 10 years probation. Each time I went to test for drugs and gave my medical reasons, I no longer had to do a drug test. I am also an advocate for the legalization of the plant homegrown operations in Florida and presently Tallahassee. I pray and hope the religious population does not hold deep seated prejudice towards me and my household because I am doing the right thing by following the law.

W.T.

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.