2014 ASHS Annual Conference

Objective(s):
To learn about indigenous herbal medicine of Florida To update ASHS members on hemp and medical marijuana research in the U.S. To bring more members to workshop for the group

Consumers increasingly continue to pursue healthy lifestyles as they become more informed about health and environment. Nearly 40% of Americans use contemporary and alternative medicine in their everyday lives for various aliments or overall well-being, and herbal medicine is once again gaining in popularity. Nowadays, many consumers opt for self-medication, including medical marijuana and native plant species. While cultivation of cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) for recreation and self-medication are still illegal in most states in the U.S., researchers at government and academic institutions in authorized states now can grow hemp, opening the door to research opportunities. The aim of this workshop is to inform participants of herbal medicinalism in Florida and recent developments in cannabis regulation and research.

The Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants (HSMP) Working Group will hold a silent auction to raise money to assist in funding next year's speakers.  The auction will be concurrently held with the Herbs, Spices, and Medicinal Plants (HSMP) Working Group's workshop.

The actual bidding starts at the end of workshop and will continue until 15:50. At the end of auction, winners will be announced and they will make payments at the front desk.

HSMP would like to acknowledge the generosity and thoughtfulness of the following donors (in alphabetical order with donated items):

AmericanHort® (Two tickets to "Cultivate 15"), American Takii (Three gift certificates), Jelitto® Perennial Seeds (Two gift certificates), Millipore (Snap ID western blot unit with 3 boxes of blot holders), Proven Winners (T-shirt, soap, etc.), Rodale Inc. (An autographed copy of "Rodale's 21st-Century Herbal: A Practical Guide for Healthy Living Using Nature's Most Powerful Plants"), Spectrum Technologies (LightScout Solar/Electric Quantum Meter), and Timber Press ("The Encyclopedia of Herbs"). Additionally, botanical prints of medicinal plants will also be auctioned.