Special Interests   

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.

$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 that can be paid on the day of the class. The instructor 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. Must attend full 4 hours both days to qualify for Insurance Discount required by the state of Illinois. Arrive 20 minutes early for class sign in. The facilitator is a volunteer and is certified by the Illinois Secretary of State.

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.

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.

Do you see yourself working in the field of cannabis? Opportunities are everywhere in this new and constantly growing industry! To work in cannabis, you need to know basic plant science, patient & product navigation, laws, and regulations. In addition to basic operations, this course focuses on supply chain and inventory management.

What sets this program apart from other cannabis dispensary programs? GPEAK badges! GPEAK stands for Greater Peoria Essential Skills, Ability, and Knowledge, and was developed by Greater Peoria leaders to provide training in the essential skills they want to see from employees. GPEAK activities aligned with the objectives of this course will provide you with essential skills in teambuilding and conflict management, problem solving and accountability, and decision making. At the end of the course, you will be badged in the above-mentioned skills. 

In this 5-session course, you will learn the following in a team-centered, in-person, interactive cohort:
•    Cannabis plant basics and products available
•    History, myths, and stigmas of cannabis
•    Laws, regulations, and operations pertaining to a cannabis dispensary
•    Cannabis supply chain and inventory management
•    Dispensary customer service and pathways into the cannabis industry

Registration fee will be refunded upon request if learners complete all 5 nights of the course, thanks to a grant provided to ICC.

Step into the wild and wonderful Spring Creek Preserve for a morning of discovery, exploration, and connection with nature! This guided adventure invites participants to explore part of the preserve’s 262 acres of diverse habitats—grasslands, woodlands, bottomlands, and creek beds. Together we’ll search for wildflowers, insects, birds, trees, moss, rocks, and maybe even fossils!

Designed for nature enthusiasts ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger adventurers (ages 7–9) with an accompanying adult. Nature exploration helps build stronger family bonds, promotes physical and mental well-being, sparks curiosity, and encourages environmental stewardship—all while having fun in the great outdoors.

Get ready to breathe fresh air, splash through shallow waters, spot buzzing insects, hear birdsong, and maybe find a small aquatic creature in the stream. This is a hands-on, feet-wet kind of day!

Where to Go: Spring Creek Preserve - located at the bottom of the hill across from Thornton's gas station on Rt. 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes that can get wet or muddy
• A hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket (just in case!)
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be April 25.

Join us for an unforgettable morning that blends outdoor fun with discovery and learning!

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

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.

Get ready for a hands-on outdoor adventure through woodlands, boardwalks, and riverbanks! This Nature Explorations event begins at Cooper Park South, where we’ll explore a sandy beach and wade into the river in search of mussels, fish, and macroinvertebrates. As we identify the organisms we find, we’ll also learn about water quality and how these small creatures help tell the story of a healthy ecosystem.

Ideal for curious minds ages 10 and up, this family-friendly event also welcomes younger children (ages 7–9) when accompanied by an adult. Exploring nature together not only strengthens family bonds but also supports physical and mental health, sparks curiosity, and builds a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Whether you’re watching insects flutter by, hearing the call of a bird in the trees, or gently uncovering aquatic life in the shallows, this is a morning full of discovery and connection to the natural world.

Where to Go: Cooper Park South - Park behind Jonah’s Seafood, near the playground off Route 116.

What to Bring:

• Closed-toe shoes required (no sandals, flip-flops, or Crocs)
• Old clothes and shoes that can get wet or muddy
• Water shoes or rain boots for wading (optional but encouraged)
• Hat, sunscreen, and bug spray
• A rain jacket if there’s light rain in the forecast
• A water bottle and a snack

Note: field equipment (nets, buckets, etc.) will be provided.

Please fill out and turn in our Risk and Release form prior to the start of our exploration. The form can be turned in digitally to cce.information@icc.edu or in person in Hickory Hall.

In the event that we have to postpone due to weather, the rain date will be May 16.

Join us for a refreshing morning outdoors—where the river meets the forest, and every step is a chance to learn something new!

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

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!