About Us
Our Story
The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society, operating as a 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization, recognized a critical need within the medical cannabis patient community. We identified the need to support indigent medical cannabis patients in obtaining essential medical cannabis oil, as the exorbitant costs of this healing remedy posed a significant challenge.
In response to the federal legality constraints surrounding cannabis, we have refocused our mission on offering financial assistance to indigent patients rather than directly providing cannabis medications. Our guiding principle is "Patients Over Profits," and we are committed to educating the public about the myriad benefits of cannabis. Scientific research has consistently demonstrated its ability to combat cancer cells and treat a range of other ailments, positioning cannabis as a versatile and comprehensive healing solution.
Our primary objective is to promote medical cannabis as a holistic approach to medical treatment. Under the banner of #CannaShame, we have taken up the cause to eradicate the lingering stigma associated with cannabis use.
Cannabis stands as a healing, life-saving alternative where many pharmaceutical drugs have fallen short.
The Georgia Medical Cannabis Society is dedicated to ensuring that underserved communities, including but not limited to low-income individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, and previously incarcerated individuals, have equitable access to affordable medical cannabis and medical cannabis cards in full compliance with their respective state laws.
*Georgia Medical Cannabis Society does not sell or manufacture medical cannabis*
Board of Directors & Members
Angela S. Weston, MBA, M.S. Co-Founder/ President Cannabis Consultant
Angela, a native of Louisiana, is a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. She also has her MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management and an MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. Angela is a medical cannabis patient and found out that the cost of medical cannabis oil was outrageous and financial aid was needed to help many indigent medical cannabis patients. And thus the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society was born.
Yolanda "The Herbal Trucker" Bennett Co-Founder|Vice President Operations Manager|
The Herbal Trucker was born Yolanda Bennett and was forced out of the logistic industry due to her medical condition and damage to her organs and skeletal system by prescribed pharmaceuticals. She was freed from them by Cannabis and her advocacy began.
The Herbal Trucker is the Co-Founder of the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society (Inc.) and a co-host for the CannaShame Podcast. The CannaShame Podcast focuses on removing and destroying the stigma associated with the use of cannabis. Although she has entered the battle of freeing this plant, from the grasp of those who shamed and criminalized this tree of life, she has joined the fight to normalize this healing plant. This podcast is powered by the CannaShame Network.
Crystal C. Griffin, BBA: Secretary
Crystal is a native of Georgia. She is a graduate of Georgia Northwestern Technical, and received her BBA from Shorter University. Crystal is a medical language specialist and medical assistant.
Stanley "CanniMedic" Atkins II, Director of Veterans Service
Stanley Atkins II is a US Navy Veteran, (ret). Firefighter Paramedic. He is the CEO of The Good Medic LLC and is a Cannabis Healthcare educator known as "The CanniMedic". He is the Georgia Chapter President of Minorities for Medical Marijuana, and is an educator with Veterans for Cannabis. He has been featured on such media platforms as The Young Turks, as well as Vice, and has worked avidly in to help shape the Georgia Medical Cannabis program.
Dr. Hemant Kumar Bid, Ph.D., MS: Educational Partner and Program Director at Morehouse School of Medicine for GMCS Distinguished Career and Research
Dr. Hemant Kumar Bid holds a Ph.D. in Medical Biochemistry from CSJM Kanpur University, India, and has over two decades of experience in drug discovery and healthcare management, significantly impacting the medical cannabis field.
Educational Leadership
As Program Director at Morehouse School of Medicine, Dr. Bid develops innovative educational programs in biotechnology and medical cannabis therapeutics. He also teaches at St. Louis University and the Cleveland School of Cannabis.
Expertise in Cannabis Testing
Dr. Bid's expertise in analytical chemistry, especially in GC/MS and HPLC, ensures the safety and quality of cannabis products, aligning with GMCS's commitment to high standards in cannabis education and public health.
Advocacy and Outreach
Committed to the medicinal benefits of cannabis, Dr. Bid works to destigmatize its use and enhance veterans' health through his advisory role at the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives.
Vision
In his role at GMCS, Dr. Bid aims to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding, promoting cannabis as a valuable medicinal resource.
Kristina Flores GMCS Action Team Coordinator
Social Media Handles:
- 420 Doulas: @420doulas
Websites:
- 420 Doulas: www.420doulas.org
Bio:
Kristina Flores, a devoted mother and visionary activist, is the founder of 420 Doulas and the curator of the Smoke Gallery Tour, marking her as a prominent figure in cannabis advocacy. Her personal journey with cannabis began during her pregnancy and continued while breastfeeding, a decision that brought both legal challenges and scrutiny. This experience shaped her advocacy, focusing on the intersection of maternal health and cannabis use.
With over ten years of activism, including roles with organizations like Greenpeace and the Center for Popular Democracy, Kristina has been a dynamic force in the realm of social causes. This year, she was pivotal in the Georgia legislative session, where she played a crucial role in combating HB1322. Her initiation of an activism training series was instrumental in the initial tabling of this bill, though it was later included as a rider in the passage of SB494's substitute.
At 420 Doulas, Kristina is committed to educating the public, supporting mothers facing similar challenges, and advocating for essential policy reforms. Her story is one of resilience and an unwavering commitment to bringing about meaningful change in the cannabis landscape.
Kyle Brown: Director of Procurement and Contracts
Kyle Brown serves as the Director of Procurement and Contracts at the Georgia Medical Cannabis Society. With an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School and a rich background in operations management, Kyle brings a strategic approach to sourcing and contract negotiations.
Prior to joining GMCS, Kyle held a pivotal role at Cummins, Inc., where he managed a global procurement budget of $60 million and spearheaded initiatives to streamline supplier relationships and optimize cost-efficiency. His efforts resulted in significant yearly cost reductions and enhanced supply chain operations.
At GMCS, Kyle oversees all procurement activities and contract negotiations, ensuring that every partnership and agreement advances our mission to support and educate the medical cannabis community. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence play a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to provide accessible, high-quality medical cannabis education and advocacy.
Kyle's leadership extends beyond professional achievements; he is actively involved in community service and embodies GMCS's values of integrity and community engagement. His expertise and passion for fostering meaningful connections are invaluable as we continue to advocate for medical cannabis awareness and accessibility.
🎖️ Honoring Our Veterans with Film & Fellowship 🎥
Veterans, this day is for you!
Join us on Sunday, November 10, 2024 for a special private screening of Venom: The Last Dance at AMC Parkway Pointe 15, Atlanta, GA.
🍿 Free admission, snacks, and swag bags for all veterans who register!
⏰ Event Time: 3:30 PM
📍 Check-In: 2:15 PM – 2:45 PM
RSVP now to celebrate, connect, and enjoy an unforgettable movie experience!