Medical Cannabis Health Equity Initiative

Program Overview

The Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine, in partnership with the Kessler Foundation, has developed a comprehensive initiative focused on advancing knowledge in medical cannabis and health equity for populations 65 and older and vulnerable communities. This groundbreaking collaboration examines key policy actions and research impacting medical cannabis use in the U.S., addressing challenges, opportunities, and solutions for underserved populations.

Training Objectives

Our initiative aims to develop consensus on key policy actions and research efforts while creating educational platforms that bridge the gap between traditional healthcare practices and evidence-based cannabis therapies. The program focuses on:

• Research and Evidence Building: Examining cannabinoid and endocannabinoid research spectrum for vulnerable populations
• Policy Development: Analyzing current political landscapes in medical cannabis regulations
• Community Education: Providing comprehensive education on medical cannabis and communities of color
• Business and Equity Integration: Addressing cannabis industry practices and under-resourced populations
• Health Equity Advancement: Utilizing the Cannabis Health Equity Movement (CHEM) framework

Program Structure

The initiative includes multi-day roundtable discussions and town hall community meetings featuring:

Expert Panels covering:

• Research, Medical Cannabis, and Vulnerable Communities
• Education & Policy on Medical Cannabis and Communities of Color
• Business, Cannabis, and Under-Resourced Populations
• Current Political Landscape in Medical Cannabis Regulations

Featured Partnerships:

• Cannabis Health Equity Movement (CHEM)
• Association for Cannabis Health Equity and Medicine (ACHEM)
• Minorities for Medical Marijuana
• Cannabis Research Initiative (UCLA)

Targeted Learners

• Healthcare professionals and researchers
• Policy makers and legislators
• Community advocates and leaders
• Cannabis industry professionals
• Public health officials
• Medical professionals serving vulnerable populations

Key Outcomes

The program produces comprehensive reports highlighting recommendations and strategies for advancing access and equity for adults 65+ and vulnerable populations, while fostering a network of experts committed to cannabis health equity and evidence-based policy reform.

Contact Information: For more information about this initiative, please contact the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine.