An introduction to cannabis and its usage, and an exploration of the origins of the stigma, prejudices, discrimination, myths and stereotypes associated with cannabis use.

NOTE FROM TED: While some viewers might find advice provided in this talk to be helpful as a complementary approach, please do not look to this talk for medical advice. We've flagged this talk for falling outside TEDx's content guidelines because the speaker makes uncorroborated claims about the use of cannabis. This talk only represents the speaker’s personal understanding of and business with cannabis. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf Mara Gordon is the co-founder of Aunt Zelda's™, The Oil Plant, Calla Spring Wellness, and Zelda Therapeutics. She specializes in the development of cannabis treatment protocols for seriously ill patients in California and is dedicated to bringing about change in the healthcare system. Prior to Aunt Zelda’s, Gordon worked as a process engineer, helping Fortune 500 companies create intelligent software. This experience has enabled her to take a detailed and scientific approach to medical cannabis. Gordon has transformed the lives of thousands of patients suffering from a variety of ailments, including chronic pain, autoimmune conditions and multiple forms of cancer. Her pioneering work in the field of medical cannabis has been chronicled in films such as The Medicine in Marijuana, Mary Janes: Women of Weed, and the award-winning documentary Weed the People. Gordon is an outspoken and highly-respected advocate for medical cannabis, reshaping perceptions and leading an industry-wide revolution. She has presented at numerous medical conferences around the globe and holds board positions with Zelda Therapeutics, Gaby, and North Bay Credit Union, in addition to numerous advisory boards. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

NOTE FROM TED: Please do not look to this talk for medical advice. We've flagged this talk for falling outside TEDx's content guidelines. While cannabis and CBD are an emerging field of study, their associated health effects remain inconclusive and unsupported by current scientific evidence. TEDx events are independently organized by volunteers. The guidelines we give organizers are described in more detail here: http://storage.ted.com/tedx/manuals/tedx_content_guidelines.pdf In this riveting talk, Rachel Knox, MD / MBA, explores the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and the revolution of one. How we can take control to harness the power found in our own bodies. We will not stop until this universal knowledge is in the medical textbooks / curriculum for all to learn and understand. A profound idea worth spreading... With special thanks to core the TEDxPortland organizing team, 70+ volunteers and cherished partners - without you this experience would not be possible. Our event history can be found TEDxPortland.com In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx Rachel is the co-founder of American Cannabinoid Clinics and Chair of the Oregon Cannabis Commission. She received her medical and business degrees from Tufts University and then pursued additional study of the most important physiologic system in the human body — the endocannabinoid system. She is passionate about educating her professional peers and broader public about the safety and effectiveness of Cannabinoid Medicine. Her work is groundbreaking at a transformative time in our society. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx