Educate. Learn. Talk.

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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Find answers to your marijuana questions

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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Cannabis and Nutrition

You are what you eat and as cannabis use becomes more mainstream, it’s not uncommon to see the leafy plant and other cannabinoids infused in food and dietary supplements. Join the next Conversations on Cannabis live virtual forum on January 27 at noon to hear medical and culinary experts talk about eating cannabis, as well as the nutritional benefits and associated risks.

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Bring the MMERI to your community. Please complete the request form here.

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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

Media Resources

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MMERI Rising

Videocasts

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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Podcasts

Hear experts answer your burning questions about medical marijuana and the impact of illegal marijuana on Florida's diverse communities.

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MMERI in the News

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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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A Note from Our Executive Director

Thank you for visiting mmeri.famu.edu, the website of Florida A&M University's Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI). This is the starting point of MMERI's mission to enhance the knowledge of Florida's minority communities about the state's nascent medical marijuana law (Section 381.986, Florida Statues) and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana. It is our intention to educate people of color and inspire them to learn and talk about the positive attributes of medical cannabis, as well as help them better understand the legal and health consequences stemming from the unlawful use of marijuana.

Meet Dr. Patricia Green-Powell