As Florida navigates the complexities of Cannabis legislation, education and awareness take center stage
2024: A milestone year for Cannabis in Florida
In 2024, cannabis remained a key topic in Florida’s legislative and public discourse. Floridians cast their votes on Amendment 3, which aimed to legalize recreational marijuana for individuals 21 and older. Despite the measure failing in November’s general election, the issue highlighted the growing conversation about marijuana's role in the state.
Meanwhile, medical marijuana use continued to thrive. By year-end, the Florida Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) reported that nearly 900,000 Floridians and seasonal residents had obtained medical marijuana cards. This marked a significant milestone in destigmatizing marijuana use, particularly for medicinal purposes.
Much of this progress can be attributed to the efforts of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI), which has been at the forefront of cannabis education. Through workshops, community outreach, and their Cannabis Conversations virtual forums, MMERI has worked tirelessly to ensure Floridians have access to accurate and unbiased information.
MMERI’s role in Cannabis education
For Michelle Wilson, MMERI’s manager of education, training, and community engagement, and Anthony Washington, state outreach coordinator, 2024 was an active year of statewide community engagements. Their goal? To educate residents on marijuana’s uses, legalities, and potential impacts without advocating for or against it.
“We had a lot of questions [about Amendment 3],” said Wilson, emphasizing MMERI’s neutral stance and focus on education. Washington echoed her sentiments, noting that misconceptions about marijuana remain widespread. MMERI’s approach, he explained, is rooted in transparency and fact-based discussions, ensuring communities can make informed decisions.
MMERI’s on-demand educational programs and monthly Cannabis Conversations virtual forums have become invaluable resources for Floridians. These forums tackle key topics, including marijuana’s history, pharmaceutical applications, and its effectiveness in treating conditions like glaucoma. They’ve also covered significant developments, such as the federal government’s proposal to reschedule marijuana, which could reshape the industry.
The MMERI team also directs those seeking more information to trusted resources like the Office of Medical Marijuana Use (OMMU) at www.knowthefactsmmj.com and MMERI’s own website, www.mmeri.famu.edu.
What’s next for Cannabis in Florida?
As 2025 begins, MMERI is committed to continuing its mission of engaging communities through education. Wilson highlighted the importance of personal connections, noting that “one-on-one experiences are among the most effective ways to engage our communities.”
Looking ahead, MMERI plans to expand its partnerships and outreach efforts, ensuring that Floridians have access to the information they need about cannabis. Whether it’s through educational programs, virtual forums, or in-person workshops, MMERI remains a trusted resource in navigating the evolving cannabis landscape in Florida.
For those looking to dive deeper into the cannabis conversation, MMERI invites you to explore its resources and participate in its educational programs. Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIDecember2024 to watch their latest Cannabis Conversations virtual forum, featuring insights from Michelle Wilson and Anthony Washington on “Marijuana in Florida: A Year in Review.”
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