The legalization of medical marijuana is a hot topic blazing its way across the United States — so it makes sense that it's the subject of an upcoming exhibition at downtown's Lloyd Library and Museum.
After all, the two go way back: Prior to prohibition, the Lloyd Brothers Pharmacists manufactured the botanical drug, among others, in the Queen City.
Opening March 29, Through the Rx Bottle — presented in collaboration with The Cannabis Museum in Athens, Ohio — will delve into the history of medical cannabis prior to its federal ban in 1937. As a press release discusses, before cannabis' prohibition, it was sold by major drug companies to treat an array of symptoms and ailments, many of which proponents of the drug's legalization cite today.
Throughout the exhibit's run (it closes August 23) multiple presenters are slated — as well as a day-long symposium on May 11. The lineup is as follows:
- The First Golden Age of Cannabis Medicine: 1830-1937: Don E. Wirtshafter, executive director of The Cannabis Museum, will kick the series off with an exploration of cannabis' historical uses, from medical to household and industrial. Mining through his decades of research, Wirtshafter will take the audience back in time to an era when medical cannabis was not only legal but also considered safe and effective. 7-8 p.m. April 14. Free.
- Cannabis Symposium: Issues from the Past to the Present: The day starts with "Cannabis and its Ethnobotanical and Medicinal Use through the Centuries," presented by Theresa Culley, a professor and the head of the biological sciences department at the University of Cincinnati. She'll discuss marijuana's use by indigenous people in the Americas, where it was a "critical component of their religious, cultural and medicinal practices," according to a release. After lunch — which attendees can bring or buy — Dr. Jonathan Cachat will lead a discussion on Ohio's Medical Marijuana Control Program as well as Hocking College's cannabis lab technician associate degree. After a tour of the exhibition, Elizabeth Crow will close the day with a presentation on women's historical use of cannabis in relation to obstetrical and gynecological issues — specifically in regard to pain management. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. May 11. $15 for non-members; $5 for Lloyd friends.
- Medical Marijuana: A Social Justice Perspective: Pastor Damon Lynch, III has been involved in multiple community projects — the Collaborative Agreement Refresh, AMOS Project, Opiate Coalition of Hamilton County and Strive Partnership. In this lecture, he'll discuss the importance of involving all community members in Ohio's medical marijuana programs. 7-8 p.m. July 18. Free.
- Medical Cannabis and Alzheimer's Treatment: Tearea Roland, a local nurse practitioner, has "strived to integrate holistic care into her practice." An expert on cannabis and the elderly, Roland's lecture will focus on Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases. 7-8 p.m. Aug. 1. Free.
All events require an RSVP, which can be made by calling 513-721-3707 or by visiting the Lloyd's website.
