From the desk of the Roundup: Editorial

Whether it’s for medical or recreational purposes, the notoriety of the cannabis industry has grown higher than its customers.

The legalization of marijuana in California has led to an increase of marijuana dispensaries all over the state. According to the City of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation, there are over 180 legal shops in the Los Angeles County and 87 of them are located in the San Fernando Valley. With the business booming, Pierce College should inform faculty and students about the health and financial benefits of cannabis.

Pierce should hold a town hall or plan an event that shows people the positives of the cannabis plant and breaks the negative stereotypes that come along with it.

To educate the public, the town hall will cover the negatives of cannabis but focus on the positive aspects.

Los Angeles Southwest College held a cannabis town hall in early May that discussed how the school was getting more involved with the emerging industry. They went over the health and wellness benefits of the plant itself and the economic development and career opportunities that the industry has to offer.

The town hall also informed what the community can do to be involved with cannabis while staying within the legal borders and even had a Q & A session with cannabis industry experts.

The two main chemicals in the marijuana plant that are of medical interest are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA).

According to the NIDA, THC can increase appetite and reduce nausea. It may also decrease pain, inflammation (swelling and redness), and muscle control problems.

Unlike THC, CBD doesn't make people "high,” according to the NIDA. These drugs aren't popular for recreational use because they aren't intoxicating. It may be useful in reducing