“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes

 

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.” – Beverly Sills

 

“A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Diana Martin

 

 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Rotary International has eliminated the Rotary Senior Active dues waiver. Therefore, our club will not offer a senior active dues waiver effective this coming fiscal year.

 

Club Dues and Cash Flow: If you can please pay your dues in advance, either quarterly or yearly. This helps the club more effectively budget the year.

 

Bob reminded everyone that there is a Habitat for Humanity event Saturday May 11 from 8am – 4pm at 903 W Beardsley. Lunch will be included.

 

Keith announced May 30th as our club’s next social. It will be a bowling event, most likely at Old Orchard Lanes in Savoy.

 

Darrell announced that Mayor Deb Feinen is asking for Rotary support for the CU Schools Foundation ‘Goal Getters” program, created to provide academic and behavioral guidance, mentorship, family focused activities and positive community experiences to a select group of Unit 4 high school males.

 

May Bucket Money is for Children’s Advocacy Center, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Suite 1 Champaign, IL 61820

 

 

PROGRAM

 

Mary introduced Nestor Ramirez, MD, MPH (Master Public Health). Dr. Nestor Ramirez-Lopez is a neonatologist in Champaign, a board member of The Illinois State Medical Society and a member of Illinois’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Board whose mission was to identify the now 40 conditions allowed for the legal use of marijuana in the state of Illinois. Nestor is also a Champaign West Rotarian and a frequent visitor to our club meetings.

 

Nestor’s presentation was the History of Marijuana, changes in laws in some U.S. states, and specifically Illinois’ legalization of the “compassionate use of marijuana”.

 

The presentation covered the entire known history of the usage of the Cannabis plant, which has two species; Cannabis Sativa and Cannabis Indica of which Indica is the most well known as the type associated with physical and mental effects commonly known as a “high” with Sativa more suitable for hemp use.

 

While there are many active ingredients in the type of cannabis most commonly known as marijuana there are 4 major components:

 

– THC which produces a psychoactive “high” feeling of euphoria and well-being.

– CBD which produces a relaxation/sedation feeling that is known to relieve pain from a number of maladies including migraines and arthritis, decreases in seizures and has anti-cancer properties.

– CBG which is non-psychoactive acting as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-convulsive, anti-insomnia and antidepressant.

– THCV which moderates the effects of THC while suppressing appetite and treating metabolic disorders (obesity, diabetes), Parkinson’s, PTSD, anxiety and stress.

 

Nestor concluded that marijuana is not always “that” marijuana but because the DEA classifies all cannabis as a Schedule 1 Drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (Schedule 1 includes heroin, LSD, Peyote, Ecstasy, Quaalude and Psilocybin mushrooms) cannabis cannot be scientifically studied in the United States. This legal sitaution leaves the usage of medical marijuana and its components largely supported by studies outside the US and conjecture. And, while one would think that medical marijuana can be prescribed in states in which it has been legalized, it still cannot be prescribed. A doctor can only certify that you have one of the 40 conditions (in Illinois) in which medical marijuana can be “compassionately” dispensed. Medical marijuana cannot be covered by insurance and is difficult to use in a controlled manner.

 

There are many forms of cannabis. Some strongly narcotic, some not. Some useful medicinally and some useful commercially. However, being classified as a Schedule 1 drug (codeine and morphine are Schedule 2) it is illegal to research cannabis in this country and it cannot be prescribed in a manner that allows for control and feedback.

 

Cannabis is a useful plant, and research is needed to better mine its potential.

 

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  May 16th May 23rd May 30th June 6th
Introductions David Henry Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann Andrew Kerins
Reflection Ben Mast John McDaniel Phyllis Mischo Scott Paceley
Greeters David Henry Mary Hodson Darrell Hoemann Larry Johnson
Rod Roberts Tod Satterthwaite Angie Schoonover Jen Shelby
Song Leader Robb Patton Allan Penwell Ed Perry Rod Roberts
Notetaker Perry Penwell Hodson Conforti

 

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UPCOMING SCHEDULE (with program committee member responsible listed in parentheses)

May 16th – Todd Gleason will discuss the future of farming (Charlie)

May 23rd – TBD (David)

May 30th – No AM meeting – Club Social – Bowling TBD

June 6th – TBD (Ondine)

June 13th – Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialist, City of Champaign Recycling, will speak about recycling(Phyllis)

June 20th – TBD (Tom)

June 27th – Karl Gnadt, Managing Director, Champaign-Urban Mass Transit District (CUMTD) (Bob)

July 4th – TBD