NW-SCC PTK holding forum on medical marijuana

The Northwest-Shoals Community College (NW-SCC) Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa will host an honors forum on medical marijuana, its future and use, at the Lou B. Bevill Auditorium on the Phil Campbell campus on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 10:30 a.m.

Each year Phi Theta Kappa focuses on a central topic. The 2014 topic has been “Frontiers: and the spirit of Exploration.” The forum will be on the medical uses of marijuana and Cannabidiol (CBD) oil.

Speakers for the forum include:

• Dustin Chandler – Chandler started a grassroots campaign in Alabama to lobby the Alabama Legislature to pass a limited medical cannabis bill allowing the use of CBD oil. The bill’s namesake, Carly’s law, is Chandler’s daughter. Carly was diagnosed in February of 2012 with CDKL5. CDKL5 is a rare X-linked genetic disorder that results in early onset, difficult to control seizures, and severe neuro developmental impairment.

• Joseph Skip Nichols – Nichols currently is the Clinical Director for Mission of Mercy Shoals, Tennessee Valley Drug Testing Management & Tennessee Valley Counseling. Nichols has a decade of experience providing at-risk youth counseling, interventions, and substance abuse counseling and treatment placement. He has experience with both in-patient and out-patient facilities, as well as private practice.

• Mike Ball – State Representative Mike Ball was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2002. Ball received his A.S. in Criminal Justice from Jefferson State Junior College and his B.S. in Political Science from Athens State University. Ball represents the 10th District in Madison. He was a part of the team that assisted with the passage of Carly’s Law.

• Ken Brackins – Brackins is a Psychology instructor at Northwest-Shoals Community College, where he has taught for 26 years. He received his Master’s in Clinical Psychology with concentrations in Alcohol Drugs and Psychometrics from Alabama A&M, and a Bachelor’s Degree, double major in Psychology and Social work from the University of North Alabama.

“We are very excited about this forum,” Pam Peters, advisor for the Alpha Zeta Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, said. “Our officers chose the topic and we hope that it will have a positive impact on our community.”

The forum will explore the benefits and uses of marijuana and CBD oil in the state of Alabama and beyond.

There is no charge for admission and the public is invited to attend.