One of the reasons Colorado has managed to avoid a rise in teen marijuana use post-legalization has to do with aggressive, realistic and age-appropriate education campaigns launched on both the state and local levels. Colorado Public Radio takes a look at one of the efforts, the “Healthy Lifestyles 101” class being offered during summer programs in Denver public schools.
– Gov. John Hickenlooper
There’s been a flurry of headlines in recent weeks about a new survey of homeless jail inmates in Colorado who said legal marijuana played a role in their decision to move to Colorado.
Dig a little deeper, however, and the study shows that most of the respondents were here before cannabis was legal. And it found no significant difference in cannabis being a draw for homeless vs. non-homeless transplants. Read Westword Story »
As Gov. John Hickenlooper is quoted as saying, “We’re attracting a lot of people, and when you attract a lot of people you get some homeless people.” Read More »
That leads us to another of the opposition’s favorite but unsubstantiated claims: that legal marijuana has caused emergency room visits to skyrocket.
Politifact breaks down that one, noting “it is impossible to say that marijuana is the cause of these visits.” Read the Story »
A new analysis from the civic data analytics site LiveStories finds that while marijuana legalization has led to higher rates of cannabis consumption in Colorado and other states with similar laws, there’s no evidence it’s leading to higher use of more addictive drugs like heroin and cocaine. Read the Westword Story »
Chuck Smith, CEO of Dixie Brands, Inc., and president of Colorado Leads.
Colorado gets new cannabis coordinator
Gov. John Hickenlooper appoints Dominique Mendiola to replace Mark Bolton as director of marijuana coordination.
Educating parents
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has launched two new marijuana education campaigns aimed at parents.
Feds approve CBD drug
The FDA’s approves cannabis-based epilepsy drug, it’s first ever recognition of a medical use for pot.
There’s no question the cannabis industry is impacting energy use as it goes mainstream. And no one is probably more aware of that than the city of Denver and the growers themselves, who have been working together to improve energy efficiency and lower waste output.
This month, the industry leaders are also throwing a benefit for the Colorado Carbon Fund and pushing for sustainable practices with the first Annual Green Industry Affair, which will include talks and entertainment July 24 at Cervante’s Masterpiece Ballroom.
All ticket and raffle proceeds will benefit the Colorado Carbon Fund.
July 18
Vangst cannabis career fair
July 19
Quarterly Cannabis caucus
July 24
The Green Industry Affair
Here in Colorado Gov. Joh Hickenlooper, long considered supportive of the strictly-regulated marijuana industry, vetoed three industry-backed measures – including one that allowed for increased capital infusions into the state, which is crucial for keeping the industry growing in the state. It was a disappointing veto that not only jeopardizes tens of thousands of jobs but also ignores the professionals that worked tirelessly during his term to build the safest and most respected cannabis industry in the country.
Representatives from the cannabis industry expressed their discontent with the vetoes at a press conference. Three Colorado Leads members are quoted here.
Meanwhile in Washington, D.C., U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colorado, introduced a bill that would protect the cannabis industry from uncertain federal enforcement policies.
“It’s time that we take this industry out of the shadows,” Gardner said.
Colorado rules
A new report ranks Colorado as the best state in the country to start a marijuana business.
Looking ahead
Cannabis pioneers predict where the industry is headed.
Parents upset over veto of cannabis for autism bill
One of the three bills Gov. John Hickenlooper vetoed at the end of the session would have allowed individuals with autism spectrum disorder to access medical cannabis. Parents of these children said they were devastated by his decision.
Marijuana proceeds help fund record school construction program
State officials have approved the largest ever school building program, one that is funded in part by proceeds from legal marijuana sales.
“I’m actually kind of thrilled to see there are a lot of lobbyists at the table right now. We are representing businesses that are trying to run a business. Marijuana is the single most heavily regulated industry in the world. More than alcohol. More than oil and gas. Far more than any other substance in commerce today.”– Lobbyist Cindy Sovine