MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Northern Michigan University hosted its fourth year of the Great Lakes Cannabis Collaboration Conference on Tuesday.
This was an opportunity for state-wide industry leaders to come together and explore the latest trends in cannabis. Student and faculty research achievements in the field were also presented and highlighted on.
“We’ve been able to take these two programs, and then have outside people come in, with such a wide breath of knowledge in different areas of expertise,” said Liza Nagelkirk, the Assistant Director at the College of Technology and Occupational Services (CTOS) at NMU. “Really showing how connected they are.”
An aim of the conference is based around different perspectives of cannabis. A major divergence comes from more usage seen in younger generations.
“The relationship that Gen Z and Gen Alpha have with cannabis, is a lot different from even my generation as a millennial,” said Nagelkirk. “So it is a great space where we can come together to reach some understanding, some collaboration.”
Currently, Michigan is at an all time high in terms of marijuana growth and distribution. The conference was able to cover numerous panels and presentations from both state and local levels of how these benefits and challenges are being addressed.
“Regulations, retail, compliance, we cover the entire gambit,” said Steve VandenAvond, the Associate Provost for Extended Learning at NMU. “Included in that, are economic and social issues.”
With many of NMU’s cannabis studies programs being offered both on campus and online, the university is widely known for their unique approach to this area of education.
“Northern is at the forefront of some of these really cool, burgeoning ideas,” said Nagelkirk. “Its really promising to see the community to continue to be involved in this.”
Each year, the conference has grown in popularity, with over 100 participants at this year’s event.
For more information on NMU’s activity with the cannabis industry, click here.
