The Illinois Science Council is hosting a fascinating presentation on marijuana, microbes and milk, challenging audiences to abandon common misconceptions about the broad health implications of legalizing marijuana and consuming raw and processed milk.

Dr. Jack Herrmann and Dr. Yvette Johnson-Walker, of the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, will share “news you can use” through evidence based on the current scientific consensus—which may not jibe with current public health policy.

• What does the chemical THC in marijuana really do? Is there more or less of it than in the plants of decades ago?
• Are there health benefits and/or risks from consuming raw milk?
• What about risks from exposure to antimicrobials in processed milk?
• What microbes should we be concerned about in our food supply and what can we do about it?

RSVP and take part in this lively talk using science to help us think critically about real-life health issues!

Speakers:

• Dr. Jack Herrmann, a veterinarian with a master’s in public health degree, was recently named the 2014 recipient of the Leadership in Public Policy Award from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges for his 20+ years of policy work at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Dr. Yvette Johnson-Walker has a veterinary degree and PhD and leads epidemiological investigations of infectious disease outbreaks on farms as well as training programs to prevent or respond to such outbreaks.

Both speakers are part of the Center for One Health Illinois, developed to inform and improve public policy and public health. The philosophy of “one health” recognizes the interdependence of the health and well-being of the human population, wild and domestic animals, and the natural environment.

This event is presented by the Illinois Science Council as part of The Collaborative City, a program of the Illinois Humanities Council, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

                   

 

If you need a sign interpreter or require other arrangements to fully participate, please call 312.422.5580 at least 72 hours prior to the event. For parking locations near the facility, please visit ChicagoParkingMap.com.