A Cannabis Conversation - with Adilah Anwar Holivay

This episode host, Dr. I. David Daniels, will speak with Adilah Anwar Holivay about her interest, activism, and writings regarding cannabis. This is another in our series of conversations regarding therapeutic approaches to psychosocial hazard exposure. In this case, we are discussing Cannabis. There are probably some right now who are asking, “What does weed have to do with Psychological Health and Safety?” This is not intended to be a conversation about legal vs. illegal or benefit vs. potential harm but an acknowledgment that 23 states have legalized recreational use, and 38 states, three territories, and the District of Columbia allow the medical use of Cannabis. People use it, and many do so as a direct response to exposure to psychosocial hazards. Though it is still a Schedule 1 drug in the United States, the reality is that there are millions of people in this country who use cannabis or cannabis-related products for both recreational and medical purposes. There are also thriving business enterprises based on Cannabis. There are ongoing discussions in the business community about substance use testing and how to address potential impairment from cannabis and other substances in the workplace. However, many workplaces have very different work rules for those that use cannabis for stress and pain relief as opposed to other substances, including legal substances like alcohol and opiates. Adilah will share her observation that is based on discoveries she has come to understand in her pursuit of technology solutions to cyber criminality in the financial industry and the inconsistent ways in which the industry as a whole, business owners, and users of cannabis are treated in workplaces in different places in the country.