Medicinal cannabis. In Britain… who’d have thought?
Cannabis is now legal in the UK, for medicinal use. This summer sees the launch of a dynamic forum to discuss and communicate the science of medicinal cannabis and the philosophy of prohibition, from a 21st century standpoint.
The two-part pilot conference (7 July and 4 August), at Old Divinity School, Cambridge, will deep-dive into the science of the deepest parts of the plant-human relationship. Illuminating on the complexities of the plant herself, to the regulatory changes, as well as exploring the philosophy and ethics that has been behind prohibition for the last 90 years.
CANNTalks is in answer to the call for better public understanding following the changes made in UK policy towards medicinal cannabis last year. The conferences are also an opportunity to explore our current levels of reform, in light of science and the increasing in number of countries moving in favour of regulation over prohibition.
CANNTalks is a not-for-profit project. The founders are a collective of scientists, artists, activist disruptors and influencers who have been close to the heartbeat of legal and cultural changes towards medicinal cannabis. The entire two-part conference is entirely self funded, and tickets are donation based. “We want CANNTalks to be accessible, not only financially but also academically, scientifically, to extrapolate and communicate the science through clear curated talks and through highly engaging arts, so that the topics can be explored by all and understood on a deeper level.” {quote someone’s name}
The science surrounding cannabis is becoming an increasingly exciting space, with cutting edge research showing over 500 different strains of cannabis that may yield dramatically different medical effects. Dr Meiri of Technion, is conducting ongoing research, showing that different strains of cannabis may be effective on one cancer, for example, and yet entirely ineffective on another. Dr Chandni’s research showing that certain compounds occurring naturally within the plant - namely in the landrace strains, appear to be powerful blockers for addiction and mental health problems often associated with tobacco and alcohol. And, Dr Amir Englund’s recent work with THCV, may show that cannabis with naturally high levels of THCV, may be an effective way to protect against risks associated with cannabis itself.
CANNTalks endeavours to deliver science in a way that is thought provoking and meaningful, to provide answer, but equally important - also to leave the audience with new questions, and broaden horizons for the discussion. CANNTalks scientific co-curators from University College London, and Professor David Nutt’s Drug Science, provide a basis for the work, and University of Arts London MA for Art Direction have collaborated as part of a live brief to deliver this science in an engaging and fresh way.
CANNTalks, an acronym for Curating A New Normal, which refers to the changes in cannabis reform happening globally, new interest and acceptance towards plant medicines, such as cannabis and psilocybin, and the culture born of these current changes.
It is not a rhapsody for cannabis, on the contrary, although many of the ideas explored by CANNTalks are inherently controversial, the overarching messages are simple, for deeper understanding and consideration.
But understanding the science is only part of the picture. It is the cultural backdrop that decides the context to how that science is viewed, and what a society will take from it. In the same way that science warned of global climate change over 50 years ago - and yet was followed by a period of consumerist culture unlike any in previous history, drug reform and evidence based drug policy will surely go through it’s own birthing process before acceptance into mainstream thinking.
The UK has its own connection, culture and heritage with this plant - albeit a mostly forgotten one. Whether we choose to look at Britain’s role in the global proliferation of medicinal cannabis from India during the 1800’s or more recent living history, with The Beatles and the Windrush generation.
Where do we stand now? We can look at prohibition as a blip in human history or, as a blight on it, but either way, change is inevitable. Deciding our cultural stance towards what happens next is going to be a fundamental part of deciding our fate on a world stage in the 21st century.
The live talks represent a coming together of ideas, curated with specialists; scientists and doctors delivering knowledge to underpin the ideas being explored by the patients, the philosophers and the activists. Creating a trans-global narrative, with speakers from California, Canada and Australia sharing their views on reform in their respective countries where cannabis has been legalised, alongside leading researchers from UCL, Kings College London and Sheffield & Hallam. Dr Derek Tracy of the Advisory Council on Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), will also be joining the conversation as a guest speaker.
CANNTalks two-part pilot conference at Old Divinity School, Cambridge will be the test pilot to bring together the cross-specialist group needed to communicate such a complex and multi-dimensional topic for future initiatives in 2019/2020.
CANNTalks is calling out to scientists, doctors, patients, artists and philosophers, and any others interested in this change, to join the conferences this summer and take part in shaping the culture that is yet to become.
@CANN_Talks / #canntalks / canntalks.co.uk