Ivan Casselman is a Canadian researcher. He graduated in 1999 with an Associate Degree in Jazz Music from Vancouver Island University, BC, Canada. In 2005 he graduated from University of Victoria, BC, Canada with a BA Anthropology. After working as an archaeologist in British Columbia, Canada he returned to school in 2007 to complete a post degree certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In September 2009 he completed his MSc in Ethnobotany at the University of Kent, UK. In January 2011 he completed his MPhil in Ethnopharmacology at the School of Pharmacy London, UK. He is currently a PhD candidate at Southern Cross University in Lismore Australia as a member of the Plant Science Department working on the molecular
phylogeny and phytochemisty of Salvia divinorum. Ivan has a strong foundation in fieldwork methodology as well as a comprehensive understanding of chemistry, bio-medicine and botany as it applies to his research interests. His overall methodological focus is on developing and improving innovative grass roots technologies and the flow of information through emerging technologies. His main research interest are plants which create heightened states of consciousness, social models of psychoactive use and the development of novel natural product therapies.

ABSTRACT

As one of the first cultivated crops, cannabis has had a very long
term relationship with humans. This plant is now used for food, fibre,
medicine and consciousness expansion. After millennia of human use and
centuries of prohibition, how does the cultural use of this plant
manifest itself today? To date the majority of the ethnographical
studies have failed to explore the prevalent cannabis culture in
“western” or “industrialized” countries focusing instead on countries
in Africa, South America and Asia. Drawing on a decade of ethnographic
data from Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Australia,
this presentation will explore three aspects of modern cannabis
culture. How law enforcement has affected the cost and quality of
cannabis, how national “epicentres” of cannabis culture and
legalization are developed and maintained, and finally will compare
and contrast how the use of medical cannabis in the aforementioned
countries. Under UN convention the use of Cannabis is prohibited
globally, however, nations differ in how these conventions are
enacted. This presentation will conclude with a discussion of these
differences and the growing civil disobedience in defiance of these
laws.

http://www.entheo.net/lecture/ivan_casselman