July 17, 2024 • 22 mins
Can medical cannabis be the key to treating chronic ailments and mental health disorders? Join us for an illuminating conversation with LaKeysha Moton, my old friend from UNC Charlotte, as she shares her extraordinary journey from political science and economics to becoming an expert in medical cannabis science. We'll uncover the pivotal moments in her career, including her impactful work in federal and state government, and how policies affect marginalized communities. Our 24-year friendship comes full circle as we reminisce about our first meeting and the lasting bonds we've forged through shared purpose and fun.
In this episode, LaKeysha shatters common misconceptions about medical cannabis and lays out the scientific evidence behind its many benefits. Discover how cannabis can offer neuroprotective properties for conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, alleviate cancer-related symptoms, and manage mental health issues such as epilepsy, anxiety, and PTSD. We also discuss its effectiveness in chronic pain relief, sleep disorders, and the growing popularity of CBD. LaKeysha provides valuable insights into sourcing high-quality CBD from trusted providers, ensuring you make informed choices for your health. Tune in for an episode rich with knowledge and personal reflections, offering both educational and heartfelt moments.
02-04-2025
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Veronica (00:05):
Welcome to the Veronica Edwards show where we
have fun financial conversationsthat everyone listening can
apply to their personal andprofessional life.
I'm your host, veronica Edwards, always excited to be back here
.
Season three on bizradious.
After this show V Team we onlyhave two more shows airing
(00:28):
before the end of season threeand we are less than 20
downloads away from 4,000downloads.
So I have a feeling no pressurethat today's show is going to
get us over the hump.
So I'm super excited.
Today's guest is an old friendof mine from UNC Charlotte that
(00:49):
I met back in the year 2000.
Seems so long ago, and duringthat time this guest earned
degrees in political science andeconomics with a concentration
in international and comparativestudies.
This guest's work experience isin both federal and state
government and has afforded herskills in policy formulation,
(01:11):
implementation and regulatorycompliance.
Currently this guest isenrolled in the Medical Cannabis
Science and TherapeuticsMaster's Program at the
University of Maryland School ofPharmacy.
My friend's smart, my friend'ssmart.
So without further ado I'd liketo introduce today's guest, my
friend Lakeisha Moten.
LaKeysha (01:34):
Welcome Key.
Oh, thank you so much V.
Thank you for having meinviting me to your podcast
today.
I'm so excited to be here.
Veronica (01:42):
Yes, so, guys, it's, I think, keisha your first time
ever being on a podcast.
LaKeysha (01:47):
Yes, yes, and I had to tell you you're the only one
I would do this with.
Veronica (01:54):
I feel special.
I was dragging Keisha on.
I was like I'm gentle, I don'tdo anything crazy.
So we always start the show,keisha, with having the guests
tell us about you, where you'refrom and your story that led you
to have studies in medicalcannabis and potentially lead to
entrepreneurship in that field.
LaKeysha (02:14):
Absolutely so let's see about me.
I am originally from Alabama.
My mom is a military veteran,so her service allowed me to
travel and experience differentcultures from a very young age
and this exposure really sparkedmy interest in global interests
and that led me to pursue thedegrees in political science and
(02:34):
economics.
And, like you said soeloquently in my introduction,
you know my professional journeythrough federal and state civil
service.
I developed these skills withpolicy and implementation of
policy and then onto regulatorycompliance.
So my experiences, especiallyin observing impacts of policy
on marginalized communities,that fueled my energy and my
(02:58):
interests in both the ethicaland equitable development of
these emerging sectors,especially here in the US.
Wow, so smart.
I don't even know what to sayafter that.
Veronica (03:12):
No, that sounds amazing.
I forget a lot of times, keisha, that you're from originally
Alabama because, as we discussed, me and Keisha met 24 years ago
at UNC Charlotte and it washerself and quite a few others
that were from Fayetteville,north Carolina, aka Fayette-Nam.
So I have to ask you, keisha Iasked all my friends that have
(03:33):
been on, but you're my firstfriend from UNC Charlotte.
A lot of my friends have beenon, known me from.
You know, back in SouthCarolina I'm not even gonna say
the town name Keisha alwaysteases me Lads in South Carolina
, I ain't ashamed of it, but Iwould love, keisha, for you to
let the listeners know.
When we first met 24 years ago,what was your first impression
(03:55):
of me, friend?
Like, what was the description?
Like, what did you see?
What were you thinking?
LaKeysha (04:00):
Let's see, this was first official day Move in
parents there we're all excited,setting up rooms and everything
about you.
That day has been who you'vebeen throughout these years.
I saw someone that wasassertive and assured in
(04:20):
everything in everything.
So you had befriended thefriend from Fayetteville that
came with us to UNC Charlottebut you guys had arranged the
swapping out of rooms and so forme to see how you kind of
really convinced this otherperson that she wanted to switch
(04:41):
rooms we were on the same floor.
It was the most amazing thingto me because even in me being
nervous and being in a newenvironment, I saw a friend in
you.
It was that assertiveness andassuredness.
And then it was like the thirdweek we were in school, getting
adjusted to our schedules andyou had this tenacity that we
(05:03):
were there for a reason but wecould also have fun.
Veronica (05:07):
Oh yeah.
LaKeysha (05:07):
And so I saw you.
You were always this, thisworker out of things.
You know, those talents youconnected us with bringing in.
We could swap doing hair orsome study time hair or some
(05:29):
study time.
They're good at this, and so,even in that, you always
motivated me to remember whywe're here and we have what it
takes to be here.
We deserve to be here andthrough the course of our
friendship, that's all I'vegotten from you, and it's just
beautiful to watch unfold.
I can't believe it's been 24years.
Veronica (05:42):
I know.
And Keisha, when I met you Iwas very intimidated.
I was like, if anybody knowsKeisha, Keisha got them hands
honey, I was like you do.
LaKeysha (05:52):
You know you just don't step up to Keisha.
You know I don't like people tobe mistreated.
That's all but V, it was theway.
You never mistreated anyone.
You can convince these peoplethat, yeah, this is what you
want to do.
Veronica (06:07):
Yeah, and I think I get that from my mom and dad who
have the gift of gab and Ilearned I learned when I was
younger.
I was kind of witty, so I'mskinny, I'm kind of nerdy.
I was like I just would makepeople laugh and people would be
my friend or who just got hermaster's.
I'm very proud of her.
And that was the roommate.
(06:35):
You know.
We were like okay, I was like Igot to get Michal to be my
roommate I'm not failing thisroommate and then Michal kind of
introduced me to you and Maryand a lot of the other
Fayetteville friends and Ialways remember Keisha looked at
Michal and was like she's goodand Michal, I was nervous on
Michal.
I was like she's good and I wasnervous.
I was like yeah, she's straight.
And then ever since then me andKeisha was cool.
I was like thank you, meachal.
Meachal said I was cool.
So that set you off where youwas like I'm a fool.
LaKeysha (06:58):
You assertively placed yourself like no, I'm
going to be friends with you,meachal, you will see that.
So of course I had to look atMeach.
All right, sure, and it wasjust that.
Has been beautiful, though, yesyes, I just love it.
Veronica (07:15):
So let's talk about this amazing program um a
master's degree, keisha, inmedical medical cannabis science
and therapeutics.
The therapeutics part intriguesme some, so this is a new
degree.
I would love for you to educatethe listeners on how long is
this program?
Is it virtual?
You mentioned you work fulltime.
How did you find out about theprogram, the jobs you can get,
(07:38):
all that fun stuff, because thisis an area that is very
profitable and, before we knowit, a lot more.
The medical cannabis is legalin some states, but I have a
feeling cannabis is just goingto be.
We're in our lifetime we'regoing to see it get legalized in
all states.
So tell us about this program.
LaKeysha (07:54):
Oh, yes, absolutely About the program.
So the MS in medical cannabisscience and therapeutics, as you
said, with the University ofMaryland in their school of
pharmacy, and it's the firstgraduate program in the country
that's dedicated solely to thestudy of medical cannabis and
the program addresses areas andbasic science of the plant
(08:16):
itself, the clinical use of thecannabis plant, the adverse
effects, public health concernsaround cannabis, and we also
address the federal and statelaws here in the US and those
policies that surround cannabis.
So and my classmates?
Let's see my classmates.
(08:36):
They come from diversebackgrounds.
I know we have people inmedicine, law, public health,
they're in business, politicalscience, even communications,
and so my class, you know, Ifeel like that, that alone, with
a different background, itreally the program is just an
enriching learning experiencebecause of the wide range of
(08:59):
range of perspectives.
Veronica (09:02):
Wow, go ahead, keisha.
I'm sorry.
LaKeysha (09:04):
Yeah.
So how long the program theprogram is it takes typically
two years to complete isdesigned as a hybrid, but it's
mostly virtual.
It does have in-personsymposium requirements and
that's where we get formulatingfor the state and different
auxiliary services, and so thein-person requirements are
(09:39):
extremely fun.
Like I said, it is hybrid andit's primary on and it really
fits, you know, the professionallifestyle.
So if you work, I believe thatonline aspect really really
gives you that, that ability towork and focus.
Veronica (10:01):
Oh, I didn't realize, keisha, that this is the first
of its kind, this program In thecountry.
So how did you find out aboutit, because you've been in the
program?
Now has it been a year yet?
LaKeysha (10:12):
Coming up on a year.
August will be my first year.
One year completed, yes, so.
So in Maryland, in 2017, thestate began the regulation and
sale of medical cannabis and in2019, the university announced
this program.
So it was a very big deal herein the DC, Maryland, virginia
area, you know, with such anaccredited school offering this,
(10:35):
this in in advanced studies insuch a taboo subject.
So since that time, you know,the field of medical cannabis
has just continued and itcontinues to grow.
As a career professional myself, engaged in regulatory
oversight and ethical research,specifically safeguarding the
(10:57):
rights and welfare, well-beingof research subjects, I wanted
to equip myself with theknowledge and skills to ensure
that research on cannabis canexpand and that social equity is
maintained within the researchof cannabis.
That's really crucial for me.
So through my years and ongoingresearch and advocacy and
(11:20):
health policy, I just Icontinued to learn how the
program, it blended policy,science and this therapeutic
content of cannabis.
So that aligns perfectly for mewith my career goals and
personal interests.
Yeah, so me enrolling in thismedical cannabis science and
therapeutics program it's reallya dream come true.
(11:40):
You know.
It also underscores mycommitment to understanding this
complex relationship betweenlegislation and medical practice
.
Veronica (11:50):
Keisha, you sound so smart man.
I could have you talking aboutthis all day, you know.
I think I'm glad that I haveyou talking about this on the
show because I think a lot oftimes the misconception is oh,
it's just a bunch of people justsmoking, getting high.
You know chink and chunk typeof thing.
Anybody listening to this knowslike you're a very intelligent
young lady.
You are all about policy andpolitical science and lawmaking
(12:13):
and the medicinal side of it.
It's not just to have fun andkick back.
I love that you have beenstudying this, since you know
like you know the laws, like youknow when this started out in
2019 and all the things.
So I'm so excited for you,because anybody that has known
Keisha as long as I have this isexactly right up your alley,
right?
I'm so excited for you becauseanybody that has known Keisha as
long as I have this is exactlyright up your alley.
LaKeysha (12:35):
Right, I'm so excited , it's like that's what I wanted
.
You know, the older we got, thewhat do I really want to do?
I know what I like, I know whatI'm good at, I know you know
the way we make money and make aliving.
But you, you get to a point inand it's very real that my
(12:56):
purpose matters to me, what I'msupposed to be doing.
And so you know, having abackground and coming from
Alabama with grandparents andgreat aunts and just gardening
and the medicinal uses of plants, you know that just fostered
this lifelong respect andfascination with botany and
natural remedies and, of course,my way now, with me being in
research and medical clinicalresearch, it, it, it's cosmic of
(13:19):
sorts, you know, and I'm reallyexcited and I appreciate your
excitement with me because youknow I was talking to you about.
Veronica (13:25):
You're like, of course , go go, yes, and anytime I see
anything in the news, I'msending it to keisha like, okay,
cherokee, they just havelegalized it.
You know, medicinally, how doesthat work?
It's it's a part of a state,not as you know, and keisha
always sends me greatinformation and that piece with
you saying you know, being anamazing gardener, keisha's been
(13:48):
growing amazing plants for years.
You go to her house, it's allkind of amazing produce out in
her yard.
So to me, just like we had ashow in recent with producer of
the show, erin Matan, where wetalked about a lot of times with
guns, people get so nervous,but it's a tool.
And it's the same thing withcannabis it's a flower that
(14:11):
comes from the ground, naturalplant, exactly so, with that
being said, keisha, I would lovebecause on the show we always
talk about different tips andjewels for the listeners and
with your expertise in medicalcannabis, I would love for you
to provide, like your top fivemedicinal benefits of medical
(14:31):
cannabis that folks really don'trealize.
LaKeysha (14:34):
This is good.
Veronica (14:35):
This is good.
LaKeysha (14:38):
So top five?
Okay, yeah, sure.
So my first one, I'd say, isthe neuroprotective properties
that medical cannabis offers.
It shows potential in slowingthe progression of diseases like
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's,and preliminary research studies
suggest that cannabis helps inmanaging agitation and
(15:00):
aggression in Alzheimer'spatients.
Second interesting top benefitfor me would be its cancer
related symptom benefits.
Research studies show thatcannabis helps alleviate nausea
and vomiting associated withchemotherapy and it stimulates
the appetite in cancer patients,so that's a huge benefit.
(15:21):
Another one would beneurological and mental health
disorders.
Cannabis offers relief inmultiple sclerosis excuse me
sorry and has been proven to bebeneficial in the treatment of
seizures from conditions likeepilepsy, and it does so by
reducing the frequency andintensity.
Cannabis has been increasinglyused in mental health to manage
(15:45):
the symptoms of like anxiety andpost-traumatic stress disorder.
It provides relief where othermedications can fail.
Another one would be, say,chronic pain and
anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cannabis is widely known forits efficacy in pain relief,
particularly in chronicconditions, and let's see.
Veronica (16:09):
No, those are good ones, keisha.
I mean the cancer-related withthe appetite, the mental health,
the PTSD, the chronic pain.
LaKeysha (16:17):
And the fifth would be sleep disorders.
So I'll give you five.
It's actually a good additionto sleep disorders, yep,
managing insomnia and sleepdisturbances is very efficient.
Veronica (16:26):
Wow, and it's something about in recent just
like vitamins, how everything iskind of moving towards gummies.
People are popping gummies leftand right and I'll be like what
you got and they're like it'san edible.
Now, now Keisha in NorthCarolina, where I'm at, even
medical cannabis isn't legal,but what's huge up here is CBD
(16:46):
child and is it true that, likeCBD is kind of like the cousin
to cannabis, it just doesn'thave the I guess I don't know
the proper science term thethings in it to make you high.
LaKeysha (16:58):
Okay, so the two common cannabinoids on the
cannabis plant would be CBD andTHC.
So THC is what has the cycle,the euphoria effects, the high
THC, and CBD does not.
It does not offer that.
Cbd focuses or communicatesmostly to your CB2 receptors and
(17:24):
that's going to be your immunesystem.
That's where the chronic painand anti-inflamminflammatory CBD
is, is, I would say, the sisterto TAC and and, like your
vitamins, cbd can be an overall,you know, vitamin to your
(17:44):
endocannabinoid system thatcommunicates to your CB2
receptors whatever that means,but yeah so I mean big and cbd
is good if if it's cbd, you knowyou want to get your cbd from a
trusted source where you cansee your lab readings and ensure
that you are just getting thatplant in its entirety, in its
(18:06):
natural state and um if it'savailable on your market, and
that became available, you know,with the farm bill.
Veronica (18:14):
So it was that Keisha, because I feel like in the last
10 years CBD just blown up.
I don't ever remember hearingabout it prior to like 2024.
LaKeysha (18:21):
Yes, 2018.
But you know when, when COVIDhit in avenues for health, I
think we became very healthconscious.
It was, it was scary.
We didn't really know if we hada compromised immune systems or
not.
The majority of us, and so,with the studies that began
(18:41):
coming out at that time, wassaying, hey, it isn't this all
bad drug that was deemed to haveno medical value.
You know, these studies startshowing that it does have
medical value and our systemsand these systems are responding
and responding positively.
And so CBD came out far, fargreater than THC in those
(19:04):
abilities to heal and manage thesymptoms of pain, neuropathy,
pain.
Veronica (19:13):
But I think you're right, Keisha.
It helped during COVID and withso many people embracing CBD
Because, like I said, I havelike a 60, 70 year old uncle or
aunt and I'm like what's yourbad?
And they're like CBD, and soit's just kind of made it to
where it's a little bit moreapproachable, I think, on the
THC side.
So I love hearing that there'sa master's degree program.
(19:36):
They're putting science to it.
LaKeysha (19:38):
Absolutely, absolutely, and you're right,
cbd is more commonly accepted,opposed to her sister THC, and
that is something where you knowI am I'm looking to advocate
strongly for, and that isfurther research in both THC and
(19:58):
CBD.
Veronica (19:59):
Wow, well, keisha, already we're to the end of the
show.
Friend, I told you you did, itwould be, I would be gentle,
it'd be easy.
I would love to have you backto talk about um THC with
children, because I alwaysremember watching, like a CNN
special, with our boy, sanjayGupta yes and these children
have epilepsy and all thesethings it is real, I have seen
(20:22):
it, it is yes, so I would loveto talk about that.
I would like to talk aboutedibles versus smoking it.
You know all the things youknow all the things.
You know just asking for a.
You know just asking for afriend.
You know I got glaucoma andother things in my family.
LaKeysha (20:35):
So you know Absolutely, and the groundwork
is still growing and breakingthrough.
You know there could be thispossible rescheduling.
So if you'd have me, I'd loveto come back and we can discuss
all the things.
Veronica (20:48):
Absolutely so.
Again, keisha, thank you somuch for taking time out of your
busy schedule to educate us allabout medical cannabis and
hopefully someone listening willtake time to have if they maybe
thought one way about it.
Maybe they have a different.
You know perception now andthat's all we want to do.
I know I keep hearing you say Ijust want to advocate.
(21:09):
I want to advocate, I want toget the word out and anything
that I can do to support youwith that, because you're living
your dream and you're followingyour passion and we talk about
that a lot on the show, aboutpassion and purpose, and I think
you know what your passion is.
You know what having me.
(21:30):
Absolutely, and I want to thankall the listeners for tuning in
to bizradious for the VeronicaEdwards show on Wednesdays
across all platforms and if youmissed the live airing, you can
listen to all prior shows atveronicaedwardsbuzzsproutcom.
Welcome to the Veronica Edwards show where we
have fun financial conversationsthat everyone listening can
apply to their personal andprofessional life.
I'm your host, veronica Edwards, always excited to be back here
.
Season three on bizradious.
After this show V Team we onlyhave two more shows airing
(00:28):
before the end of season threeand we are less than 20
downloads away from 4,000downloads.
So I have a feeling no pressurethat today's show is going to
get us over the hump.
So I'm super excited.
Today's guest is an old friendof mine from UNC Charlotte that
(00:49):
I met back in the year 2000.
Seems so long ago, and duringthat time this guest earned
degrees in political science andeconomics with a concentration
in international and comparativestudies.
This guest's work experience isin both federal and state
government and has afforded herskills in policy formulation,
(01:11):
implementation and regulatorycompliance.
Currently this guest isenrolled in the Medical Cannabis
Science and TherapeuticsMaster's Program at the
University of Maryland School ofPharmacy.
My friend's smart, my friend'ssmart.
So without further ado I'd liketo introduce today's guest, my
friend Lakeisha Moten.
LaKeysha (01:34):
Welcome Key.
Oh, thank you so much V.
Thank you for having meinviting me to your podcast
today.
I'm so excited to be here.
Veronica (01:42):
Yes, so, guys, it's, I think, keisha your first time
ever being on a podcast.
LaKeysha (01:47):
Yes, yes, and I had to tell you you're the only one
I would do this with.
Veronica (01:54):
I feel special.
I was dragging Keisha on.
I was like I'm gentle, I don'tdo anything crazy.
So we always start the show,keisha, with having the guests
tell us about you, where you'refrom and your story that led you
to have studies in medicalcannabis and potentially lead to
entrepreneurship in that field.
LaKeysha (02:14):
Absolutely so let's see about me.
I am originally from Alabama.
My mom is a military veteran,so her service allowed me to
travel and experience differentcultures from a very young age
and this exposure really sparkedmy interest in global interests
and that led me to pursue thedegrees in political science and
(02:34):
economics.
And, like you said soeloquently in my introduction,
you know my professional journeythrough federal and state civil
service.
I developed these skills withpolicy and implementation of
policy and then onto regulatorycompliance.
So my experiences, especiallyin observing impacts of policy
on marginalized communities,that fueled my energy and my
(02:58):
interests in both the ethicaland equitable development of
these emerging sectors,especially here in the US.
Wow, so smart.
I don't even know what to sayafter that.
Veronica (03:12):
No, that sounds amazing.
I forget a lot of times, keisha, that you're from originally
Alabama because, as we discussed, me and Keisha met 24 years ago
at UNC Charlotte and it washerself and quite a few others
that were from Fayetteville,north Carolina, aka Fayette-Nam.
So I have to ask you, keisha Iasked all my friends that have
(03:33):
been on, but you're my firstfriend from UNC Charlotte.
A lot of my friends have beenon, known me from.
You know, back in SouthCarolina I'm not even gonna say
the town name Keisha alwaysteases me Lads in South Carolina
, I ain't ashamed of it, but Iwould love, keisha, for you to
let the listeners know.
When we first met 24 years ago,what was your first impression
(03:55):
of me, friend?
Like, what was the description?
Like, what did you see?
What were you thinking?
LaKeysha (04:00):
Let's see, this was first official day Move in
parents there we're all excited,setting up rooms and everything
about you.
That day has been who you'vebeen throughout these years.
I saw someone that wasassertive and assured in
(04:20):
everything in everything.
So you had befriended thefriend from Fayetteville that
came with us to UNC Charlottebut you guys had arranged the
swapping out of rooms and so forme to see how you kind of
really convinced this otherperson that she wanted to switch
(04:41):
rooms we were on the same floor.
It was the most amazing thingto me because even in me being
nervous and being in a newenvironment, I saw a friend in
you.
It was that assertiveness andassuredness.
And then it was like the thirdweek we were in school, getting
adjusted to our schedules andyou had this tenacity that we
(05:03):
were there for a reason but wecould also have fun.
Veronica (05:07):
Oh yeah.
LaKeysha (05:07):
And so I saw you.
You were always this, thisworker out of things.
You know, those talents youconnected us with bringing in.
We could swap doing hair orsome study time hair or some
(05:29):
study time.
They're good at this, and so,even in that, you always
motivated me to remember whywe're here and we have what it
takes to be here.
We deserve to be here andthrough the course of our
friendship, that's all I'vegotten from you, and it's just
beautiful to watch unfold.
I can't believe it's been 24years.
Veronica (05:42):
I know.
And Keisha, when I met you Iwas very intimidated.
I was like, if anybody knowsKeisha, Keisha got them hands
honey, I was like you do.
LaKeysha (05:52):
You know you just don't step up to Keisha.
You know I don't like people tobe mistreated.
That's all but V, it was theway.
You never mistreated anyone.
You can convince these peoplethat, yeah, this is what you
want to do.
Veronica (06:07):
Yeah, and I think I get that from my mom and dad who
have the gift of gab and Ilearned I learned when I was
younger.
I was kind of witty, so I'mskinny, I'm kind of nerdy.
I was like I just would makepeople laugh and people would be
my friend or who just got hermaster's.
I'm very proud of her.
And that was the roommate.
(06:35):
You know.
We were like okay, I was like Igot to get Michal to be my
roommate I'm not failing thisroommate and then Michal kind of
introduced me to you and Maryand a lot of the other
Fayetteville friends and Ialways remember Keisha looked at
Michal and was like she's goodand Michal, I was nervous on
Michal.
I was like she's good and I wasnervous.
I was like yeah, she's straight.
And then ever since then me andKeisha was cool.
I was like thank you, meachal.
Meachal said I was cool.
So that set you off where youwas like I'm a fool.
LaKeysha (06:58):
You assertively placed yourself like no, I'm
going to be friends with you,meachal, you will see that.
So of course I had to look atMeach.
All right, sure, and it wasjust that.
Has been beautiful, though, yesyes, I just love it.
Veronica (07:15):
So let's talk about this amazing program um a
master's degree, keisha, inmedical medical cannabis science
and therapeutics.
The therapeutics part intriguesme some, so this is a new
degree.
I would love for you to educatethe listeners on how long is
this program?
Is it virtual?
You mentioned you work fulltime.
How did you find out about theprogram, the jobs you can get,
(07:38):
all that fun stuff, because thisis an area that is very
profitable and, before we knowit, a lot more.
The medical cannabis is legalin some states, but I have a
feeling cannabis is just goingto be.
We're in our lifetime we'regoing to see it get legalized in
all states.
So tell us about this program.
LaKeysha (07:54):
Oh, yes, absolutely About the program.
So the MS in medical cannabisscience and therapeutics, as you
said, with the University ofMaryland in their school of
pharmacy, and it's the firstgraduate program in the country
that's dedicated solely to thestudy of medical cannabis and
the program addresses areas andbasic science of the plant
(08:16):
itself, the clinical use of thecannabis plant, the adverse
effects, public health concernsaround cannabis, and we also
address the federal and statelaws here in the US and those
policies that surround cannabis.
So and my classmates?
Let's see my classmates.
(08:36):
They come from diversebackgrounds.
I know we have people inmedicine, law, public health,
they're in business, politicalscience, even communications,
and so my class, you know, Ifeel like that, that alone, with
a different background, itreally the program is just an
enriching learning experiencebecause of the wide range of
(08:59):
range of perspectives.
Veronica (09:02):
Wow, go ahead, keisha.
I'm sorry.
LaKeysha (09:04):
Yeah.
So how long the program theprogram is it takes typically
two years to complete isdesigned as a hybrid, but it's
mostly virtual.
It does have in-personsymposium requirements and
that's where we get formulatingfor the state and different
auxiliary services, and so thein-person requirements are
(09:39):
extremely fun.
Like I said, it is hybrid andit's primary on and it really
fits, you know, the professionallifestyle.
So if you work, I believe thatonline aspect really really
gives you that, that ability towork and focus.
Veronica (10:01):
Oh, I didn't realize, keisha, that this is the first
of its kind, this program In thecountry.
So how did you find out aboutit, because you've been in the
program?
Now has it been a year yet?
LaKeysha (10:12):
Coming up on a year.
August will be my first year.
One year completed, yes, so.
So in Maryland, in 2017, thestate began the regulation and
sale of medical cannabis and in2019, the university announced
this program.
So it was a very big deal herein the DC, Maryland, virginia
area, you know, with such anaccredited school offering this,
(10:35):
this in in advanced studies insuch a taboo subject.
So since that time, you know,the field of medical cannabis
has just continued and itcontinues to grow.
As a career professional myself, engaged in regulatory
oversight and ethical research,specifically safeguarding the
(10:57):
rights and welfare, well-beingof research subjects, I wanted
to equip myself with theknowledge and skills to ensure
that research on cannabis canexpand and that social equity is
maintained within the researchof cannabis.
That's really crucial for me.
So through my years and ongoingresearch and advocacy and
(11:20):
health policy, I just Icontinued to learn how the
program, it blended policy,science and this therapeutic
content of cannabis.
So that aligns perfectly for mewith my career goals and
personal interests.
Yeah, so me enrolling in thismedical cannabis science and
therapeutics program it's reallya dream come true.
(11:40):
You know.
It also underscores mycommitment to understanding this
complex relationship betweenlegislation and medical practice
.
Veronica (11:50):
Keisha, you sound so smart man.
I could have you talking aboutthis all day, you know.
I think I'm glad that I haveyou talking about this on the
show because I think a lot oftimes the misconception is oh,
it's just a bunch of people justsmoking, getting high.
You know chink and chunk typeof thing.
Anybody listening to this knowslike you're a very intelligent
young lady.
You are all about policy andpolitical science and lawmaking
(12:13):
and the medicinal side of it.
It's not just to have fun andkick back.
I love that you have beenstudying this, since you know
like you know the laws, like youknow when this started out in
2019 and all the things.
So I'm so excited for you,because anybody that has known
Keisha as long as I have this isexactly right up your alley,
right?
I'm so excited for you becauseanybody that has known Keisha as
long as I have this is exactlyright up your alley.
LaKeysha (12:35):
Right, I'm so excited , it's like that's what I wanted
.
You know, the older we got, thewhat do I really want to do?
I know what I like, I know whatI'm good at, I know you know
the way we make money and make aliving.
But you, you get to a point inand it's very real that my
(12:56):
purpose matters to me, what I'msupposed to be doing.
And so you know, having abackground and coming from
Alabama with grandparents andgreat aunts and just gardening
and the medicinal uses of plants, you know that just fostered
this lifelong respect andfascination with botany and
natural remedies and, of course,my way now, with me being in
research and medical clinicalresearch, it, it, it's cosmic of
(13:19):
sorts, you know, and I'm reallyexcited and I appreciate your
excitement with me because youknow I was talking to you about.
Veronica (13:25):
You're like, of course , go go, yes, and anytime I see
anything in the news, I'msending it to keisha like, okay,
cherokee, they just havelegalized it.
You know, medicinally, how doesthat work?
It's it's a part of a state,not as you know, and keisha
always sends me greatinformation and that piece with
you saying you know, being anamazing gardener, keisha's been
(13:48):
growing amazing plants for years.
You go to her house, it's allkind of amazing produce out in
her yard.
So to me, just like we had ashow in recent with producer of
the show, erin Matan, where wetalked about a lot of times with
guns, people get so nervous,but it's a tool.
And it's the same thing withcannabis it's a flower that
(14:11):
comes from the ground, naturalplant, exactly so, with that
being said, keisha, I would lovebecause on the show we always
talk about different tips andjewels for the listeners and
with your expertise in medicalcannabis, I would love for you
to provide, like your top fivemedicinal benefits of medical
(14:31):
cannabis that folks really don'trealize.
LaKeysha (14:34):
This is good.
Veronica (14:35):
This is good.
LaKeysha (14:38):
So top five?
Okay, yeah, sure.
So my first one, I'd say, isthe neuroprotective properties
that medical cannabis offers.
It shows potential in slowingthe progression of diseases like
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's,and preliminary research studies
suggest that cannabis helps inmanaging agitation and
(15:00):
aggression in Alzheimer'spatients.
Second interesting top benefitfor me would be its cancer
related symptom benefits.
Research studies show thatcannabis helps alleviate nausea
and vomiting associated withchemotherapy and it stimulates
the appetite in cancer patients,so that's a huge benefit.
(15:21):
Another one would beneurological and mental health
disorders.
Cannabis offers relief inmultiple sclerosis excuse me
sorry and has been proven to bebeneficial in the treatment of
seizures from conditions likeepilepsy, and it does so by
reducing the frequency andintensity.
Cannabis has been increasinglyused in mental health to manage
(15:45):
the symptoms of like anxiety andpost-traumatic stress disorder.
It provides relief where othermedications can fail.
Another one would be, say,chronic pain and
anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cannabis is widely known forits efficacy in pain relief,
particularly in chronicconditions, and let's see.
Veronica (16:09):
No, those are good ones, keisha.
I mean the cancer-related withthe appetite, the mental health,
the PTSD, the chronic pain.
LaKeysha (16:17):
And the fifth would be sleep disorders.
So I'll give you five.
It's actually a good additionto sleep disorders, yep,
managing insomnia and sleepdisturbances is very efficient.
Veronica (16:26):
Wow, and it's something about in recent just
like vitamins, how everything iskind of moving towards gummies.
People are popping gummies leftand right and I'll be like what
you got and they're like it'san edible.
Now, now Keisha in NorthCarolina, where I'm at, even
medical cannabis isn't legal,but what's huge up here is CBD
(16:46):
child and is it true that, likeCBD is kind of like the cousin
to cannabis, it just doesn'thave the I guess I don't know
the proper science term thethings in it to make you high.
LaKeysha (16:58):
Okay, so the two common cannabinoids on the
cannabis plant would be CBD andTHC.
So THC is what has the cycle,the euphoria effects, the high
THC, and CBD does not.
It does not offer that.
Cbd focuses or communicatesmostly to your CB2 receptors and
(17:24):
that's going to be your immunesystem.
That's where the chronic painand anti-inflamminflammatory CBD
is, is, I would say, the sisterto TAC and and, like your
vitamins, cbd can be an overall,you know, vitamin to your
(17:44):
endocannabinoid system thatcommunicates to your CB2
receptors whatever that means,but yeah so I mean big and cbd
is good if if it's cbd, you knowyou want to get your cbd from a
trusted source where you cansee your lab readings and ensure
that you are just getting thatplant in its entirety, in its
(18:06):
natural state and um if it'savailable on your market, and
that became available, you know,with the farm bill.
Veronica (18:14):
So it was that Keisha, because I feel like in the last
10 years CBD just blown up.
I don't ever remember hearingabout it prior to like 2024.
LaKeysha (18:21):
Yes, 2018.
But you know when, when COVIDhit in avenues for health, I
think we became very healthconscious.
It was, it was scary.
We didn't really know if we hada compromised immune systems or
not.
The majority of us, and so,with the studies that began
(18:41):
coming out at that time, wassaying, hey, it isn't this all
bad drug that was deemed to haveno medical value.
You know, these studies startshowing that it does have
medical value and our systemsand these systems are responding
and responding positively.
And so CBD came out far, fargreater than THC in those
(19:04):
abilities to heal and manage thesymptoms of pain, neuropathy,
pain.
Veronica (19:13):
But I think you're right, Keisha.
It helped during COVID and withso many people embracing CBD
Because, like I said, I havelike a 60, 70 year old uncle or
aunt and I'm like what's yourbad?
And they're like CBD, and soit's just kind of made it to
where it's a little bit moreapproachable, I think, on the
THC side.
So I love hearing that there'sa master's degree program.
(19:36):
They're putting science to it.
LaKeysha (19:38):
Absolutely, absolutely, and you're right,
cbd is more commonly accepted,opposed to her sister THC, and
that is something where you knowI am I'm looking to advocate
strongly for, and that isfurther research in both THC and
(19:58):
CBD.
Veronica (19:59):
Wow, well, keisha, already we're to the end of the
show.
Friend, I told you you did, itwould be, I would be gentle,
it'd be easy.
I would love to have you backto talk about um THC with
children, because I alwaysremember watching, like a CNN
special, with our boy, sanjayGupta yes and these children
have epilepsy and all thesethings it is real, I have seen
(20:22):
it, it is yes, so I would loveto talk about that.
I would like to talk aboutedibles versus smoking it.
You know all the things youknow all the things.
You know just asking for a.
You know just asking for afriend.
You know I got glaucoma andother things in my family.
LaKeysha (20:35):
So you know Absolutely, and the groundwork
is still growing and breakingthrough.
You know there could be thispossible rescheduling.
So if you'd have me, I'd loveto come back and we can discuss
all the things.
Veronica (20:48):
Absolutely so.
Again, keisha, thank you somuch for taking time out of your
busy schedule to educate us allabout medical cannabis and
hopefully someone listening willtake time to have if they maybe
thought one way about it.
Maybe they have a different.
You know perception now andthat's all we want to do.
I know I keep hearing you say Ijust want to advocate.
(21:09):
I want to advocate, I want toget the word out and anything
that I can do to support youwith that, because you're living
your dream and you're followingyour passion and we talk about
that a lot on the show, aboutpassion and purpose, and I think
you know what your passion is.
You know what having me.
(21:30):
Absolutely, and I want to thankall the listeners for tuning in
to bizradious for the VeronicaEdwards show on Wednesdays
across all platforms and if youmissed the live airing, you can
listen to all prior shows atveronicaedwardsbuzzsproutcom.
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