UMaine hosting Maine Office of Cannabis Policy director for April 18 talk

The University of Maine Raymond H. Fogler Library, in collaboration with the Counseling Center and Student Wellness Resource Center, will host a free talk about cannabis and mental health featuring Maine Office of Cannabis Policy Director John Hudak 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 at the Salon, located on the second floor of the library. 

In “Up in Smoke: Myths & Facts about Cannabis,” a group of panelists, including Hudak, will discuss a variety of topics surrounding cannabis, including its societal impact, legal considerations and its effects on mental health. Attendees can expect a lively exchange of ideas, debunking of myths and sharing insights grounded in research and expertise.

Hudak will be joined on the panel by Rob Glover, UMaine associate professor of political science and honors and 2024 Presidential Award recipient; Peter Sparks, lecturer in the Department of Psychology; and Krutika Rathod, a Ph.D. student of clinical psychology. The event will be moderated by Angela Fileccia, director of the Counseling Center, and Kevin Hudson, a student wellness educator.

“We are excited to facilitate this important conversation about cannabis and its implications for mental health,” said Fileccia. “By providing a platform for informed discussion, we hope to empower our community members with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.”

The event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual attendance. Refreshments will be provided for those joining in person. Visitors are also welcome to view the “Cannabis-Related Research at the University of Maine” display on the first floor of Fogler.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit the library’s website

The event is part of the Salon Series, a new discussion series at Fogler Library in which guest speakers and attendees engage in conversations on a variety of contemporary issues. The Salon, formerly known as the University Club, serves as a re-envisioning of the Lynch Room that offers a space for our community members to come together, exchange ideas and explore diverse topics of interest. Generously supported by Fogler Library donors and co-sponsors, this series is designed to spark conversations that leave a lasting impact.