Forum will share information on ‘good, bad and ugly’ of marijuana use

By St. Clair Murraine
Outlook Staff Writer

  There is a good chance that at some point during a two-day marijuana forum the story about a seemingly impossible question asked by a 4-year-old might come up.

The best chance that the question “what color does the number four smell like” will surface is when GP Mendie, executive director of the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative, speaks. He most recently brought it up last Friday when he was explaining why anyone who wants to get correct information on marijuana – illegal or medical – should attend the forum.

The point Mendie made by bringing up the question is that even though the answer could be convoluting it’s possible to explain.

“Yes, it’s very possible to explain to the 4-year-old what color the number four smells like,” he said. “You have to meet them at their level; not trying to say I’m the guy in the suit and you’ve got to listen to me. That has never worked and it never will.”

The forum, which is billed as the way to get the 411 on 420, begins at 9 a.m. Friday in the Grand Ballroom on FAMU’s campus. Saturday’s session also begins at 9 at the same venue. Both sessions end at 4 p.m.

The Medical Marijuana Research and Education Initiative, also known as MMERI, is a statewide awareness authorization that is exclusive to FAMU.

Friday’s lineup of speakers will bring information primarily for young adults, as that demographic is believed to be unaware of cannabis laws in Florida. On Saturday, current methods of conducting drug testing will be among a lengthy list of topics.

The weekend forum is the latest in an on-going statewide campaign to educate communities about cannabis and its uses.

“The objective is to discuss with the community the various nuances of cannabis; the good, the bad and the ugly,” Mendie said. “We just want to open up and have a conversation and that is what this is about.

 “We want Floridians to understand that unlawful use, whether it’s medical or not is still very, very, important. The more they understand and can make informed decisions the better for them. That’s how they can avoid running afoul of Florida’s law.”

Facilitators can expect to be faced with questions about an amendment to legalize recreational use of marijuana that will be on the ballot in November. Mendie suspects that people will incorrectly react if the measure gets 65 percent of the vote and passes. Passage would not make it legal to openly use pot the following day, he said.

“Our community needs to understand that even though the law says one thing there are nuances that if you don’t understand that will get you into trouble,” Mendie said.

The current law that legalizes medical marijuana has been in place since 2016. Since then, more than 2,000 physicians have become certified to recommend medical marijuana in Florida. Cannabis could be used for treating conditions that include cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, chronic pain, PTSD, and HIV/AIDS.

As part of its campaign, MMREI representatives will talk with member of organizations, employers and civic groups, Mendie said.

“People come to the cannabis space with their perception,” he said. “For some people it’s the devil’s weed. It’s the worst thing on this earth. To another segment, it’s t he best thing; it’s a cure-all. And, there are people in the middle that say, ‘hey I don’t have a dog in this fight. I don’t have an opinion.’

“It’s not just medical marijuana is good (and) illegal is bad. There is more to it and it’s up to us to ensure that Floridians learn.”