Senate Bill 16, which would have required parental notification if a school employee is caught providing marijuana or alcohol to a student, died in the House Judiciary Committee. The concern among some members was that the notification was required when a person was charged, not after the person is tried in court.
Colorado State University-Pueblo is offering the state’s first cannabis-focused bachelor’s degree.
Participating students will leave with a science degree focused on chemistry and biology.
They’ll take “rigorous” classes and become educated in a variety of sciences, says David Lehmpuhl, dean of CSU-Pueblo’s College of Science and Mathematics.
The University of Michigan and the University of North Dakota offer bachelor’s degrees in medicinal plant chemistry, and the University of Maryland has a related master’s program. University of Denver offers cannabis journalism classes, and DU’s Sturm College of Law offers courses tailored to deal with the legalization of cannabis.
Cannabis opportunities on reservations?Democratic presidential hopeful and U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-MA, makes the argument that Indian tribes have the right to legalize cannabis without federal interference, and:
“A number of Tribal Nations view cannabis as an important opportunity for economic development,” she said.
Give us a hugIs the federal government embracing the reality of cannabis legalization? Okay, that might be a step too far, but it appears the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s position is evolving. The agency wants to fund studies that look at regulations, industry marketing and reasons for medical cannabis use.
Colorado helps others legalize the responsible wayThe National Foundation for Women Legislators hosted a Marijuana Policy Summit in Colorado last week, touring cannabis dispensaries and discussing CBD, licensing, potency, revenue and health and safety. About 30 elected women whose states or municipalities are considering legalization, or have already legalized cannabis, attended the summit.
Medical refugees. That’s the term now given to people who move to other states to access legal cannabis for medical reasons. Groups, such as Colorado-based American Medical Refugees, help families hoping to connect with those in similar situations and find resources.
Colorado nurses have launched a hotline, Leaf411, to answer questions about cannabis. They said they expect many of their callers to be senior citizens, a growing user demographic that’s more likely to need health care and use the phone.
The Louisville City Council approved two ordinances to send two November ballot questions to voters: one, to allow marijuana cultivation facilities in the city and two, authorization to impose an excise tax on those facilities.
Denver-area schools will split more than $14 million raised through marijuana taxes and lottery revenue for projects ranging from replacing roofs to expanding their buildings.
“The Weedmaps Museum of Weed, slated to be open from Aug. 3 through Sept. 29 at 720 North Cahuenga Boulevard, will take visitors on a chronological walk through history — from the early uses of the cannabis plant to the ‘Reefer Madness’ and ‘War on Drugs’ eras through to the present-day legalization efforts.” No consumption of cannabis products will be allowed onsite and admission costs $35.
The Colorado State Board of Education agreed Thursday to allocate $401 million to 43 school construction projects – including some in Colorado Springs – under the program that is partially funded by marijuana state excise taxes.
The Cannabis Trade Federation launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force that includes, among others, NAACP’s president and CEO, National Urban League’s CEO, former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-FL) and a former director of the ACLU’s Washington, D.C. office.
Up to $25 million is expected to help districts in rural areas, as well as others struggling financially. The money would help buy new desks and furniture, fixtures for bathrooms and classrooms, and other equipment schools need as they expand their full-day kindergarten offerings.
The bill, HB-1055, won House approval 56-8 and now awaits action by the Senate.
Denver has developed a food safety and sanitation class for manufacturers, cultivation facilities, and centers/stores.