Quincy, IL — A new law allows physicians to prescribe cannabis medicine to patients who suffer from one of 38 specific “debilitating medical conditions.” …But how are patients and physicians to know when cannabis medicine is appropriate? How are they to know which type of medicine is appropriate? And are there any safeguards to protect the community from social risks that might be connected to legalized cannabis medicine?
A free public forum will be held Sunday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. at the Oakley Lindsay Center to answer these and other questions about cannabis medicine and the new law. Presentations will be given by leading local professionals, including physicians, pharmacists, lawyers, and law enforcement officers.
“The new law will have profound effects in Quincy and the neighboring communities,” said Bradley Vallerius, a lawyer who is planning the event. “Cannabis medicine has the potential to improve quality of life for patients while providing economic opportunities for local businesses and government. But of course some forms of cannabis medicine can bring social risks if not used responsibly. This educational forum is being presented to provide an objective overview of cannabis medicine and the new law so that people can prepare for the coming changes and make informed decisions about cannabis medicine.”
The program agenda addresses the following questions:
Health care professionals: What medical research supports or refutes the use of cannabis medicine? How do you identify a patient who may be a good candidate for cannabis medicine? What rules govern the use of cannabis medicine in a health care facility?
Patients: What are the various forms of cannabis medicine? What does the law say about safe use and possession of cannabis medicine? Is smoking the only way to consume cannabis? Will cannabis medicine always make you feel “high”?
Parents, law enforcement, government: How does the law ensure that cannabis medicine is kept away from minors? What steps does the law take to minimize the risk of patients becoming impaired and causing accidents in traffic or public?
Employers, landlords, universities: What actions can employers take to prevent employees from becoming impaired at work? What rules govern the relationship between a landlord and tenant who is a medical cannabis cardholder? What rules govern the relationship between a university and student who is a cardholder?
Job-seekers, entrepreneurs: Who are the companies that compose a medical cannabis industry? What types of jobs are in demand? What are the likely economic effects locally?
Members of the general public: How will the new law affect you and your family? … The Medical Cannabis Education Forum is free for all.
About the Medical Cannabis Education Forum
May 4 at the Oakley Lindsay Center in Quincy, Illinois, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. The program provides an overview of Illinois’ Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act and likely effects in Quincy and surrounding areas. Topics include: leading sources of medical research, overview of the forms of medical cannabis (edibles, concentrates, tinctures, vapor), rules of becoming a cardholder, safe use of cannabis (the rules of use and possession), issues for employers/employees, landlords/tenants and universities/students, local job and economic opportunities.
About Vallerius Group
Vallerius Group LLC is a business consulting and communications agency specializing in emerging industries in Central and Southern Illinois.
