Paulette S. Smith, MS, LCSW-C

Dr. Paulette Smith is an assistant professor at Morgan State University’s School of Social Work and an adjunct faculty member in the University of Maryland’s Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program. She’s a licensed clinical social worker with over fifteen years of experience in adolescent, adult, and family mental health, focusing on trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. Her scholarship centers on mental health, cannabis science, racial equity, and social justice. Her research looks at how mindfulness, self-determination, and cannabis therapy aid healing in communities impacted by structural violence, trauma, and disparities. She leads multiple studies, including the Mindful Morgan Initiative, which aims to embed mindfulness, belonging, and wellness into HBCU support systems. A nationally recognized speaker, she discusses cannabis and mental health, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and health equity. Her publications address the shift in social work toward culturally rooted, evidence-based approaches to substance use. She founded Paulette Simone & Associates and Canna Heals to promote accessible, stigma-free healing through retreats, training, and education. She holds a doctor of social work from Simmons University, an MSW from Morgan State, a master’s in medical cannabis science and therapeutics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and a bachelor’s in communication from Bowie State.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Paulette Smith is the founder of Canna Heals, LLC. and has employment relationships with Morgan State University, Insight Timer, Gladstone Psychiatry and Wellness, and University of Maryland. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Paulette Smith has no relevant non-financial relationships.