About Us
The mission of the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative is to educate and inform Florida’s minority communities about medical marijuana and the potential consequence to health and well-being from recreational use.
Our Vision
Florida A&M University will become the touchstone venue for research and education efforts to ensure Florida's minority communities are well informed about medical marijuana and recreational marijuana.
Key Components
Education
Historically, FAMU has played an outstanding role in educating minority students and is in a unique position to educate Florida's diverse minority populations about medical marijuana and to develop and deliver curriculum and certified training programs.
Research
As a research institution, FAMU offers a vast platform and a cadre of researchers to study and understand the science and the impact of medical marijuana from diverse perspectives.
Community Engagement
Community Engagement and education are integral parts of this initiative and will build and expand relationships and partnerships; and collaboration with leaders, community groups, faith base organizations, educational institutions and others.
Communications
Partnerships and collaborations with the Florida Association of Broadcasters and other entities will ensure timely delivery of relevant information to communities statewide. MMERI will launch a statewide messaging campaign through various digital, audio, visual, print and in-person platforms.
Goals
Aligned with the University's Strategic Priorities
Educate
Educate Florida's Diverse Minority Communities about Medical Marijuana and the Consequences of Unlawful Use of Marijuana
Research
Increase the Body of Research that Promotes and Advances Knowledge about Medical Marijuana and the Consequences of Unlawful Use of Marijuana
Assessment and Evaluation
Conduct ongoing Assessment and Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Impact of the MMERI project
Testimonials
MMERI FAQs
The Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative is focused on educating the state's diverse minority communities about medical marijuana and the consequences of illegal use of marijuana. Funding is provided by the Florida Department of Health at the direction of the legislature.
Given the University's historical role in educating minority students, FAMU is in a unique position to educate Florida's diverse minority populations about medical marijuana. As a research institution, FAMU offers a vast platform and has the resources to study and understand the science of medical marijuana from diverse multilingual and multicultural perspectives.
The MMERI's role is to generate and provide information and research to scholars, and to share that information with the members of Florida's diverse minority communities in a variety of languages. As a touchstone for scholars on this subject, FAMU faculty is in a position to provide foundational as well as ongoing research studies. Every effort will be made to ensure that updates on the research done by FAMU faculty and others will be shared with communities across the state. The MMERI will maintain an interactive website, provide updates, and conduct community engagement to ensure face-to-face conversations on this important subject.
Community engagement and education are integral parts of the initiative. We began with relationship and coalition building with leaders, community groups, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and others. We want you to know who we are and the goals and objectives of the initiative. Now, we are executing a state-wide campaign to include community forums, focus groups, speaker/listener bureaus, workshops, etc. Our staff and regional partners will be visible and active in your communities across the state.
We are forming coalitions throughout the state to effectively engage local stakeholders and to ensure the information reaches all concerned.
In addition to the Florida Department of Health, the University will work with a variety of FAMU academic partners, a state- wide network of community and faith-based organizations, a select group of consultants and other interested entities.
Our mandate from the state legislature is clear: "educate Florida's diverse minority communities about medical marijuana and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on minority communities." Analyses of data collected will demonstrate the efficacy of our outreach efforts to educate the communities. Contributions to the current literature on both aspects will enable FAMU to serve as a touchstone for diversity researchers throughout the state, the country, and globally.
Legislative Authorization
Chapter 2017-232, Laws of Florida, charged Florida A&M University to "educate minorities about marijuana for medical use and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on minority communities."
381.986 Medical Use of Marijuana
Section 381.986, Florida Statutes (F.S.), better known as Florida's medical marijuana law, includes a funding provision that entrusts Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) with "educating minorities about marijuana for medical use and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on minority communities." The following excerpt from the statute set in motion the creation of FAMU's Medical Marijuana Education & Research Initiative. To read the entire statute, go to www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0381/Sections/0381.986.html
