AF Detroit discusses Cannabis Wars: Should Marijuana be Legal? (Virtual)

To date, thirty-three states have legalized marijuana use for medicinal purposes (with eleven of those states also legalizing it for recreational purposes). Public opinion in favor of marijuana legalization is also at an all-time high with 67% of Americans supporting it, while 32% oppose it (Pew Research).

Should marijuana be legal?

Those who support the legalization of marijuana argue that it will provide medical benefits for those suffering from certain diseases, lead to a decrease in violent crime related to the selling of marijuana, and be economically beneficial. Those who oppose its legalization argue that marijuana is an addictive gateway drug, would lead to an increase in traffic fatalities among other dangers, and would do nothing to address drug-related crime.

Join AF-Detroit on September 29 for a virtual discussion as we analyze and review the pros and cons, and if this could mean a major economic push for state economies and the federal governments.

This event will take place on Zoom. Please register to receive the access link.

Learn more about the speakers below:

Matt Abel, JD, ESQ.

Attorney & Founder of the Cannabis Counsel

Matthew Abel has been a practicing attorney in Michigan for over 30 years, and is the Executive Director of Michigan NORML minorml.org. Matt founded Cannabis Counsel®, a five-attorney Detroit, Michigan law firm entirely devoted to cannabis clients and cases throughout Michigan. cannabiscounsel.com Cannabis Counsel® is a longtime member of the National Cannabis Industries Association. The firm’s client list includes cultivators, processors, testing labs, transporters, provisioning centers, patients, caregivers, clubs, collectives, ancillary suppliers, physicians, publishers, inventors, and other marijuana entrepreneurs. Mr. Abel often provides consultation and advice to other attorneys. Much of the current work of the firm consists of assisting clients in preparation and submission of applications under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act

Matt Yascolt

Spokesman & Director for Healthy and Productive Michigan

Mr. Yascolt has been working in Substance Use Disorder Services since 2009. He began his career in college working at an adolescent mental health clinic. After graduating Matthew began work as a substance use disorder counselor at a sub-acute detoxification and long-term residential clinic in Detroit. While a counselor, he worked with clients that had substance use disorders, practiced evidence-based therapies in individual sessions and facilitated group therapy. Matthew transitioned to Substance Abuse Prevention Services with Beaumont Health Systems, working as a Substance Abuse Prevention Program Director for five coalitions in Downriver Michigan. Matthew also sits on the executive committee of Michigan Prevention Association as the advocacy chairperson, as well as numerous other roles in substance abuse prevention.

Brandon Brice: Moderator

Brandon Brice serves as Detroit Chapter Leader for the America’s Future. Brandon has worked on Capitol Hill in the Office of former U.S. Speaker J. Dennis Hastert. Brandon later was appointed as Director of Education Affairs in the Office of former New Jersey Governor, Hon. Chris J. Christie. Brandon serves as Board President for Advantage Health of Detroit and is a member of the American Enterprise Institute, Leadership Detroit and the Michigan Political Leadership Program.