Addictive, dangerous, criminal. Natural, healing, safe. Marijuana has been called all of these things and more—but how much do we really know about it?

In 1990, only 16% of Americans thought marijuana should be legalized; today, a majority of Americans believe it ought to be. What are the historical and cultural precedents that led us to blacklist marijuana for the past century? Why is public opinion now shifting?

WSU professor Rebecca Craft explains the history of marijuana use and policy in the United States, explores the drastic shifts in public perception, and discusses the latest research about the potential for marijuana to heal or harm. Participants will learn the facts—and bust some myths—on this highly discussed drug.

This talk is presented in partnership with The Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service, which educates citizens across the state about democratic institutions and public affairs, and is based at Washington State University. For more information, visit The Foley Institute’s website.

Rebecca Craft is a psychopharmacologist who teaches and conducts research as a professor of psychology at Washington State University. She is also the director of the Experimental Psychology Doctoral Program at WSU. Craft is focused on helping people understand more about how drugs affect our bodies and minds, so that everyone can make better-informed choices about medical and recreational drug use.

Craft lives in Pullman.