GP Mendie

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Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI): What You Should Know 

GP Mendie, Executive Director, Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI), Florida A&M University

Florida A&M University (FAMU) established the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) to educate diverse and multicultural populations about marijuana for medical use and the impact of the unlawful use of marijuana on diverse and multicultural communities, according to Section 381.986 Florida Statutes. This presentation overviews how MMERI’s Public Education Plan (education, community engagement, and communication) educates and engages individuals using education modules and curriculum, print and broadcast media, public service announcements, television, and E-Newsletters.

This presentation will provide an overview and update on the MMERI Public Education Plan and the ongoing assessment and evaluation of the statewide impact of its engagements, programs, course content, and activities. In July 2023, the Florida legislature authorized MMERI to conduct pedagogical research. FAMU MMERI is committed to providing education and conducting research on medical and unlawful marijuana use, with a focus on addressing the needs of Florida’s diverse and multicultural population.

MMERI’s Continued Impact:

• MMERI conducts numerous community outreach engagements and engages in educational events to increase awareness about medical and unlawful marijuana within Florida’s diverse and multicultural communities.
• MMERI utilizes community forums, podcasts, videocasts, and informational materials to educate the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers.
• MMERI prioritizes cultural competence in its educational and research initiatives, tailoring information to meet the needs of Floridians.

Under the direction of the University's Vice-President for Research, the Executive Vice President/COO, the President, and the Board of Trustees, GP Mendie serves as Executive Director (Interim) of the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI).

In this leadership role, GP collaborates with the incredibly talented MMERI Team and a broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders and partners to successfully execute MMERI's statewide legislative mandate. GP is responsible for overseeing MMERI's mission to educate Florida's rural, urban and suburban populations about the medical and unlawful use of marijuana. In executing MMERI's mandate, GP brings extensive, richly diverse decades of experience in public health, education campaigns, strategic planning and administration, policy, and finance, among others, in government and the private sector. Knowing the immense power and importance of education, GP is proud of the unique and expanding leadership role Florida A&M University holds in the cannabis space, especially the privilege of educating Floridians on this crucial public health matter with a profound socioeconomic impact on our communities. Among other things, GP believes in FAMU's unique place and expertise in overseeing, implementing, and managing politically and culturally sensitive programs.