EIU Media Relations

EIU to host cannabis symposium November 6 featuring faculty, legal experts

(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University’s Academy of Lifelong Learning will host an Interdisciplinary Cannabis Symposium Monday, November 6 to discuss the current state and future expectations of legalized cannabis in Illinois. The event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in Room 1501 of Buzzard Hall, on campus at 600 Lincoln Avenue in Charleston. The event is free and open to the public.

Expert panelists for the symposium will include EIU academicians Dr. Kathleen Phillips, Professor Emeritus, Department of Public Health; Dr. Jeffrey Stowell, Professor, Psychology; Dr. Jian Zhu, Assistant Professor, Psychology; Dr. Sace Elder, Professor/Chair, Department of History; Dr. Mari Kita, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Criminology; and Dr. Wade Smith, Instructor, Department of Sociology/Anthropology/Criminology; along with legal expert Mr. Jesse Danley, State’s Attorney for Coles County.

This panel of experts will provide a foundation for understanding and discussing the socio-cultural, historical, political, legal, and health implications of cannabis use and legalization in the regional community. Panelists will convey their knowledge about cannabis and offer commentary based on expert disciplinary, legal, and sociocultural intersections across academic and legal landscapes. Afterwards, an audience inquiry segment will give members of the community a chance to ask panelists their questions.

EIU's Academy of Lifelong Learning is aimed at helping community members learn, think, and grow through new opportunities. A full catalog of Academy offerings and registration opportunities is available in the Academy’s digital Community Program Guide at go.eiu.edu/ProgramGuide. EIU invites readers to share this information with other curious and like-minded adults who may be interested in the Academy's programming.  For additional information on EIU's Academy of Lifelong Learning, contact Academy director Daniel Douglas at (217) 581-7415 or email dadouglas@eiu.edu.

EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.