On April 6th, Perry Lecture Hall was packed with faculty, staff, students and community members for a science and faith discussion on the timely topic of marijuana. Since the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana in November 2016, the science, ethics, and impact of its use have remained controversial, especially among Christian communities. The Center for Research in Science hosted its annual faith and science discussion on the topic early April. Students and faculty, coming from multiple concentrations and practices (i.e. psychology, biology, theology, etc.), gathered to listen and ask questions to varying professionals in a panel discussion.

The panelists included: Nancy E. Buckley, Ph.D., an experienced cannabinoid researcher from CSU Pomona; Jay K. Kiel, Senior Deputy District Attorney from Riverside County District Attorney’s Office; Rico Vitz, Ph.D., chair and professor of philosophy at APU. Jennifer E. Walsh, Ph.D., dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, moderated the discussion. During the event, audience sent many real-time questions online for the panelists to address. It was a lively and vibrant time of discussion.

The event was recorded and the video will be available on our website in May: www.apu.edu/cris. A picture gallery is available below.

Read more on the article "CRIS Marijuana Panel Attracts Crowd" from The Clause.