What’s Happening?
Do you find yourself unable to catch up with all the rapid social/political change occurring surrounding the cannabis issue? We’ve got your back.
What follows are anticipated questions we may be fielding from our community/campus allies.:
Who is impacted by cannabis policy in our communities?
In short, everyone. This is a unique issue that indeed can be seen in almost every aspect of our lives, professions, and academic pursuits.
What are the basics?
When breaking down the basics, there are considerations which need to be made for the plant, policy/political, business, non profit, society and academic interests. What has happened, what is happening, and what is likely coming down the pike?
When are these conversations and changes going to begin?
They’re happening right now! All across the world these discussions are beginning in earnest.
Where are these changes going to be seen on campus?
All over, from new programs being developed in departments, to student policy, campus health policy, and everywhere in between.
Why is it important to prepare for this?
It is inevitable. In order to maintain a competitive stance in academia, institutions will need to acknowledge a burgeoning industry as well as an interest to explore this emerging pursuit of study.
What are some examples of existing/potential programs within the community, and on campus?
Grade School
“The Florida Agriculture Department on Tuesday announced eight winners from students grades 5-11 who submitted essays on innovative uses for hemp as part of an annual ‘Agricultural History and Creativity’ contest.
This year’s contest stood out for its focus on the cannabis plant’s alternative, sustainable uses. The department has worked to support the burgeoning hemp industry, especially following the crop’s federal legalization under the 2018 Farm Bill.
It invited students grades 4-11 to submit 500-word essays to be eligible for $1,000 scholarships and be honored at next year’s Florida Cabinet meeting at the state Capitol. Those students have now been selected, though the department didn’t detail what hemp-related topics the winning essays covered.”
Trade School
Skills Training; Certifications; Licensing;
Community College
Continuing Education; Skills Training; Cannabis Symposiums; Community/Campus Panels; Administration/Faculty/Student Q&A Sessions;
Four Year Institutions
Cannabis Symposiums; Community/Campus Panels; Administration/Faculty/Student Q&A Sessions; New research opportunities; New degrees available; New funding available; New departments being created; New Centers of Excellence;
Programming: (For instance) Agriculture therapy programs promoting post traumatic growth on campus, and within our communities; There are many programs geared toward assisting transitioning service members who are interested in pursuing careers in agriculture. Whether for therapy, as a profession, or hobby, these activities should be encouraged, studied, and the information gathered disseminated.
Science: (One observation) Realistic Cannabis Research; The most impactful scientific study for individuals suffering from post traumatic stress would be a sleep study using cannabis. The LD50 of the plant Cannabis Sativa L. is much, much lower than anything currently being prescribed, or investigated by the department of veterans affairs as it relates to insomnia, and other sleep disturbances.
These sample questions, scenarios, and outlooks will continue to be teased out on this end and published for y’all in the coming weeks/months.
Hasta pronto,
-Rico
