Relational Teaching in the Age of AI : Promoting Hemp and Cannabis Literacy Through an Interdisciplinary Community Partnership Model
Type of Presentation
Paper
Location
D2444
Start Date
4-10-2026 2:30 PM
End Date
4-10-2026 3:00 PM
Description of Program
This presentation highlights an interdisciplinary hemp and cannabis education initiative developed with the Illinois Hemp Coalition. Centered on public health, it promotes community-informed teaching and responsible AI use to help equip professionals with ethical communication skills, risk awareness, and evidence-based practice tools for navigating evolving policies and regulatory environments.
Abstract
As hemp and cannabis policy continues to evolve across Illinois, professionals in health, human services, and education are increasingly called upon to address complex questions from students, clients, patients, families, and the agricultural community—often without formal preparation. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence is transforming how individuals access hemp-related information, frequently outside relational, cultural, and public health frameworks. This interdisciplinary presentation examines how community-informed, relationship-centered teaching can guide ethical hemp and cannabis education in the age of AI through collaboration between the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Illinois Hemp Coalition. The Coalition contributes applied expertise in responsible regulation, consumer protection, youth safeguards, and community-informed policy development, ensuring initiatives remain grounded in regulatory realities, public health evidence, and lived community experience. We present an emerging educational model integrating classroom instruction, community engagement, and workforce preparation to strengthen evidence-informed communication about hemp, cannabis, THC, therapeutic potential, and documented risks. The presentation analyzes how AI can enhance inquiry and critical thinking, while relationship-centered teaching sustains trust, accountability, and culturally responsive dialogue. Centering collaboration and community voice, this framework prepares professionals to navigate evolving policy environments responsibly and ethically.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Dr. Joseph Day
Relational Teaching in the Age of AI : Promoting Hemp and Cannabis Literacy Through an Interdisciplinary Community Partnership Model
D2444
As hemp and cannabis policy continues to evolve across Illinois, professionals in health, human services, and education are increasingly called upon to address complex questions from students, clients, patients, families, and the agricultural community—often without formal preparation. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence is transforming how individuals access hemp-related information, frequently outside relational, cultural, and public health frameworks. This interdisciplinary presentation examines how community-informed, relationship-centered teaching can guide ethical hemp and cannabis education in the age of AI through collaboration between the College of Health and Human Sciences and the Illinois Hemp Coalition. The Coalition contributes applied expertise in responsible regulation, consumer protection, youth safeguards, and community-informed policy development, ensuring initiatives remain grounded in regulatory realities, public health evidence, and lived community experience. We present an emerging educational model integrating classroom instruction, community engagement, and workforce preparation to strengthen evidence-informed communication about hemp, cannabis, THC, therapeutic potential, and documented risks. The presentation analyzes how AI can enhance inquiry and critical thinking, while relationship-centered teaching sustains trust, accountability, and culturally responsive dialogue. Centering collaboration and community voice, this framework prepares professionals to navigate evolving policy environments responsibly and ethically.