Illinois Women in Cannabis to Host a Breast Cancer and Cannabis Conversation

Illinois Women in Cannabis to Host a Breast Cancer and Cannabis Conversation; Virtual Forum Contributes to October’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month  Free Oct. 6 Webinar Features Midwest Cancer & Cannabis Clinicians and Patients, and is sponsored by NuEra Cannabis, in honor of its “Pre-Rolls for a Cause” Campaign

Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC), the state’s leading cannabis industry networking organization, will host a virtual breast cancer and cannabis conversation in honor of October’s annual breast cancer awareness month. 

“Breast Cancer and Cannabis: Considerations. Cautions. And Case Studies” will be a live webinar held Wednesday, October 6, from 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.. The free forum will feature a panel of multi-state Midwest women experienced with both breast cancer and cannabis, including leading Missouri cannabis patient advocates and product formulation experts. Breast cancer patients who are registered medical marijuana patients in their respective states, and receive guidance from one of the panel presenters will also join the conversation, sharing their valued perspectives and experiences. 

nuEra Cannabis, the Illinois owned and operated vertically integrated cannabis company, is sponsoring the educational event to complement nuEra’s “Pre-Rolls for a Cause” product and retail promotion. nuEra’s campaign commemorates breast cancer awareness month; it will donate proceeds from the promotion to Illinois cancer charities. Learn how you can support its initiative: nuEra Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser. 

“Illinois Women in Cannabis values being able to organize and host important conversations like this upcoming breast cancer awareness forum,” said the Executive Director of Illinois Women in Cannabis, Amor Montes de Oca. “IWC was founded the year Illinois approved medical use, so we’ve grown and evolved in tandem with the state’s cannabis program. Over these past seven years we’ve been able to expand our educational offerings, advocacy initiatives and community partnerships thanks to having active members and loyal support from cannabis businesses, like nuEra. This upcoming webinar reflects the important work IWC is able to do, thanks to its members and corporate sponsors,” Amor said. 

Jamila Owens-Todd, a naturopathic doctor, and Saint Louis University cannabis science program adjunct professor and consultant. Owens-Todd is also former research manager with Phytos Cannabis, a leading cannabis company headquartered in Missouri. Owens-Todd will draw from her expertise and experience in both product formulations and analysis as a scientist, and patient consultation as a primary care provider of naturopathic medicine.  April Hatch, MSN, RN, and co-founder of Cannabis Care Team. The registered nurse and her team of nurses provide qualifying medical cannabis patients with the customized and continual education, support, and advocacy they need to experience the medical benefits of cannabis and consume it safely. Hatch and her team are also active cannabis education and training providers to Midwest cannabis companies, training frontline employees and brand ambassadors, and being featured as live, in-store educational resources for medical cannabis shoppers and retail customers.  Tammy Azzarello, nuEra Chicago Patient Consultant, will share her perspective and experiences from serving as an initial touchpoint for medical cannabis and adult use customers who visit nuEra dispensaries. As patient consultant, Azzarello advises canna-consumers on consumption methods, strains, dosage, and product effects.  IWC’s special guests are breast cancer patients who are also registered medical marijuana patients in their respective states. A cannabis clinician’s guidance has been integral to their approach and journey.  Jasmine Carracci, MSW, and bi-lingual program coordinator for Gilda’s Club will also participate. Gilda’s Club is a national cancer support organization with special ties to Chicago, and the Chicago chapter of Gilda’s Club will receive proceeds from NuEra’s “Pre-Rolls for a Cause” product and retail promotion it just launched in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Gilda’s Club supports women, children and men whose lives have been impacted by cancer; its namesake is Gilda Radner, one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live,” and famed Chicago Second City alum. Learn more about nuEra’s “Pre-Rolls for a Cause” campaign here: (link to Jonah’s news release.) 

Established in 2014, Illinois Women in Cannabis (IWC) has grown into the leading cannabis industry networking organization in Illinois. The mission of the non-profit membership organization is to empower women of all ages and backgrounds to build strong relationships, networks, and careers in the cannabis industry. Within six years, the organization has advanced its purpose by introducing mission-related initiatives, hosting recurring networking sessions, steadily collaborating with other stakeholders, thought leaders and communities on shared goals, and facilitating uniquely-focused conversations, such as the upcoming conversation: Breast Cancer and Cannabis: Considerations. Cautions. And Case Studies.