BOSTON, MA, August 19, 2019 – Three of the nation’s leading African American cannabis medicine practitioners and business leaders are coming to Boston to talk about marijuana in one of the city’s communities most disproportionately harmed by the War on Drugs. ELEVATE Northeast’s Community Conversation event “Cannabis and Me” takes place Thursday, August 22 at the DeWitt Center in Roxbury, and features certified Cannabinoid Medicine specialist Dr. Rachel Knox, registered nurse and cannabis business operator Kebra Smith, and Hope Wiseman, the youngest African American woman in the United States to own a dispensary. Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commissioner Shaleen Title will deliver an opening keynote address, and ELEVATE director of community outreach, TaShonda Vincent-Lee, will moderate the panel discussion.
“There are so many questions arising at home about cannabis, and widespread misinformation and distrust remains, particularly in the communities targeted by the War on Drugs,” said Vincent-Lee. “But as time goes by, opportunities are missed, whether as a patient or industry participant. That’s why ELEVATE is taking a proactive approach to empower Boston with information about this plant and the opportunities legalization can bring.”
ELEVATE’s Community Conversation series of events was created to help demystify cannabis as a medicine and regulated industry. The August 22 event goals are:
1. To combat stigma associated with cannabis and its consumption by discussing the origins and racist motivations of the War on Drugs;
2. To provide free education regarding the potential medical benefits of cannabis to individuals from areas of disproportionate impact from the War on Drugs;
3. 3. To promote understanding of human biological systems and how cannabis works; and
4. 4. To provide a welcoming and accessible location in which to learn and connect with helpful resources.
“Understanding basic cannabis science and the legitimate business and work opportunities the new regulated market presents is important not just for industry participants, but for the families and individuals living in the communities where these cannabis businesses hope to flourish,” added Beth Waterfall, executive director, ELEVATE Northeast. “We thank our speakers, sponsors and community partners for coming together to break stigma and create opportunities through education.”
Community Conversation Part 1: Cannabis and Me, is free to attend, thanks to the generosity of presenting sponsors AG Silver Therapeutics, Curaleaf, Ermont and MCR Labs. Learn more and register at https://www.universe.com/events/cannabis-me-community-conversation-part-1-tickets-C5YDNP
About ELEVATE Northeast Events and Education
ELEVATE Northeast Events and Education is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization created to support the regional cannabis industry's need for workforce and community education, advocacy and networking in a professional and inviting atmosphere. And because cannabis businesses cannot succeed without inclusion of multiple perspectives, an educated community, and informed customer base, ELEVATE’s mission is to empower underrepresented populations to work and lead in the cannabis industry, and to empower our communities to be educated customers and responsible consumers. Learn more at elevatene.org.