Faculty lecture committee mark Constitution Day with event
In recognition of Constitution Day on September 17, the Penn State Hazleton Faculty Lecture Committee has planned a discussion by Edward A. Pane, MBA, CAC Diplomate, titled “The Case for Legalizing Medical Marijuana.” The event, free and open to the public, will be held at 7 p.m. in 1 Kostos Building at Penn State Hazleton.
Pane’s presentation will highlight the history of medical cannabis from its first recorded use in approximately 3000 BCE, through medieval and colonial times and into the early 20th century. The history of prohibition of the drug in the U.S. dates only from 1937; its genesis will be painted in the political and racial context dominant in America at that time. Current medical research and publications in peer reviewed journals will be offered as proof of the efficacy and safety of the drug for a variety of medical conditions. Finally, Pane will present for the first time the results of his nationwide survey of substance abuse counselors for their opinions regarding medical legalization.
Pane is president and CEO of Serento Gardens counseling center, a position he has held since 1978. He is a licensed social worker and holds a master’s degree in social work from Temple University, an MBA from Wilkes University, and a degree in education from West Chester University.
He has been a member of the faculty at the University of Scranton and Marywood University and has served on a number of local boards of directors and as a member of the Pennsylvania Certification Board. He has lectured in Iceland and Cyprus on behalf of the U.S. Department of State where he discussed cooperative community drug prevention efforts.
A founding board member of Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana, he has testified before the Pennsylvania House and Human Services subcommittee. He most recently published an article in the quarterly newsletter of the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors challenging the prohibition of marijuana for medical purposes. The article included a link to a survey which has garnered over 100 replies from substance abuse professionals around the country on the topic.
Pane is also a columnist for the Standard-Speaker and his writings and editorials have appeared in newspapers around the country.
Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787, recognizing all who, are born in the U.S. or by naturalization, have become citizens. Additional information on Constitution Day is available at www.constitutionday.com.
For additional information on this event or others at Penn State Hazleton, contact the Public Information Office at 570-450-3180.
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