Special Interests   

Have you been feeling a bit sluggish lately? Is it hard to turn off your mind? Are you feeling more stressed and overwhelmed these days? If you answered "yes" to even one of these questions, then we encourage you to join this masterclass. You will learn one surprising reason we experience stress and overwhelming feelings and how they affect your overall health - physically, mentally, and emotionally. Once you realize its impact on you, it can change everything, because you will know how to take steps to reduce and manage the stress in your life.

We will share 3 strategic ways to take you out of feeling overwhelmed and stressed to experiencing more energy, balanced moods, and feeling more focused, calm, and present. Stress management is key to living a healthy life, so take this time to invest in you and your health because you are worth it!

Get a comprehensive introduction to the fast-growing cannabis industry in Illinois and beyond. This session will walk you through the structure of the cannabis supply chain—from cultivators and processors to testing labs, transporters, and dispensaries. You’ll learn how Illinois's approach fits into the larger national picture and what’s on the horizon for legalization, employment, and entrepreneurship.

You’ll Learn:

• Who’s involved in bringing cannabis from seed to shelf

• How Illinois regulates and licenses different types of businesses

• Trends and opportunities in cannabis employment and ownership

• Federal laws vs. state laws—and what might change next

Ideal for curious consumers, potential job seekers, or anyone wanting to understand how the industry works from top to bottom.

$10 is the class registration fee collected by ICC. Please pay when you register for the class.

The AARP Fee is $20.00 for AARP members and $25.00 for nonmembers, which can be paid on the day of the class. The facilitator will collect the money before the class. Cash or check payable to AARP due at the time of class. Please bring the correct amount if paying by cash. Bring your Membership card, driver's license, and a pen. Participants must attend the full 4 hours on both days to qualify for the insurance discount, as required by the state of Illinois. Please arrive 20 minutes early for class sign-in. The facilitator is a volunteer and is certified by the Illinois Secretary of State.

This session helps you make sense of the diverse and sometimes overwhelming world of cannabis products. We’ll review different consumption methods (like smoking, vaping, edibles, tinctures, topicals) and how each affects the body. Learn about solvents used in production, how to read dispensary menus, choose appropriate dosages, and evaluate which product types might be best for your goals—be it pain relief, stress management, or sleep support.

You’ll Learn:

• Key product categories and delivery methods

• How to read product labels, menus, and dosage info

• Tips for safe and effective consumption

• Questions to ask your budtender or healthcare provider

Ideal for new or returning cannabis users, medical patients, and curious consumers.

Confused about what’s legal—and what’s not? This session demystifies cannabis laws in Illinois. We’ll cover the rules for both recreational and medical users, including possession limits, transportation, workplace concerns, and the responsibilities of cannabis businesses. You’ll also learn about the war on drugs, which agencies enforce the law, and how inspections and penalties work for dispensaries.

You’ll Learn:

• What’s legal for adult-use and medical cannabis in Illinois

• Who enforces the laws (IDFPR, IDOA, etc.)

• Key compliance issues for businesses and consumers

• What happens if regulations are broken

Ideal for anyone interested in staying compliant, working in cannabis, or just staying out of trouble.

Many of us imagine retirement as a time to travel, enjoy loved ones, explore hobbies, and finally relax. While we often prepare financially, we rarely prepare for the emotional and identity shifts that come with this major life change.

Instead of feeling free and fulfilled, you may find yourself feeling isolated, uncertain, or even grieving the life you knew. You might even ask, Who am I now?

Change is never easy, but it is possible to move through this transition with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Whether you’re already retired or preparing for it soon, this masterclass will guide you in adjusting to this new chapter, so you can create the meaningful, joyful retirement you’ve always envisioned and so deserve.

Ready to begin your cannabis journey, whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

Ready to begin your cannabis journey, whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage

Ever wondered what happens behind the counter at a dispensary? This session takes you behind the scenes to explore the inner workings of a cannabis retail space. You’ll get an overview of customer check-in, inventory controls, compliance steps, and how dispensary staff are trained to serve customers. Perfect for those considering a career in cannabis or launching a retail business.

You’ll Learn:

• How dispensaries are staffed and operated

• Technology used to track inventory and sales

• Legal procedures for sales and age verification

• What it takes to thrive in a dispensary role

Ideal for aspiring dispensary employees, cannabis business students, and entrepreneurs.

Growing your own cannabis is legal in Illinois for registered medical cannabis patients—and this class shows you how to do it the right way. We’ll introduce the basic principles of home cultivation, including lighting, nutrients, grow cycles, and what kind of equipment you need to get started. You’ll also learn about common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

You’ll Learn:

• Equipment basics: lights, soil, nutrients, and airflow

• Plant lifecycle: seed to harvest explained

• Indoor grow room setup tips

• Legal limitations and patient-only rules

Ideal for curious medical cannabis patients or hobbyists interested in home growing.

If you're considering medical cannabis as part of your wellness or treatment plan, this session will walk you through how to get started in Illinois’s Medical Cannabis Patient Program. You’ll learn how to qualify, apply, and use cannabis responsibly within legal guidelines. We’ll also cover how to navigate discussions with your healthcare provider, what protections you have under the law, and what to expect at your first dispensary visit.

You’ll Learn:

• Which medical conditions qualify for cannabis use

• How to apply for a patient card (or caregiver card)

• Legal protections—and limitations—for patients

• Cannabis use in housing, employment, and transportation

• Tips for starting a safe and effective regimen

Ideal for:

• Patients with chronic conditions like pain, anxiety, or PTSD

• Caregivers supporting a qualifying individual

• Healthcare professionals who want to guide patients with confidence

• Anyone wanting to legally and safely integrate cannabis into their care

Ready to begin your cannabis journey, whether medically or recreationally? This interactive workshop demystifies the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid & terpene benefits, and dosing strategies to avoid unwanted effects. You’ll gain clarity on consumption, storage, transport rules in Illinois, and the medical cannabis program for qualifying patients. Walk away feeling confident in your next dispensary visit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes
• Learn dosage methods across different product formats
• Master responsibilities related to legal use, storage, and transport
• Explore medical cannabis eligibility, application, and usage