News

Body of research quelling fears about legal cannabis continues to grow

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As the number of states and countries legalizing marijuana grows, so too does the research into the potential effects on society. The common theme: legal cannabis isn’t contributing to society’s ills. It may even be helping.

One of the biggest concerns – and misconceptions – has been about the dangers of driving under the influence and what opponents contended was a rise in DUIs because of legal adult cannabis use. But a first-ever study from the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice shows the majority of Coloradans suspected of driving under the influence in 2016 had been drinking, but only a small fraction had used marijuana. 

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Another study set to be published in October found that workplace deaths dropped in states that had legalized cannabis. The researchers analyzed federal Department of Labor statistics, finding that the numbers backed the theory that if people use marijuana as an alternative to alcohol or painkillers, the risk of impairment on the job could be lower.

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Headlines

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Too many rules?

Denver’s program to permit cannabis social clubs is struggling.

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Otherwise, Denver’s marijuana businesses flourishing

New report says city’s effective regulation has created jobs and generated tax revenue.

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Jefferson County gets grant to steer kids away from cannabis

School district uses grant to hire three new school nurses and six social and emotional learning specialists.

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Cannabis-related nonprofit incubator coming to Denver

Founders say Nuvolution aims to help fund education and research efforts.

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In Case You Missed It…

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Medicine Man has released a powerful PSA talking about “Marijuana is Medicine.”  Please share it with others on social media. 

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Opinion

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Colorado cannabis industry needs more investment dollars

Lewis Koski, the former director of Colorado’s Marijuana Enforcement Division, writes about why Colorado needs to loosen its investment regulations.

“The Colorado cannabis market has been viewed by many as a model for legalization.  That model is at a critical turning point as other states and countries close in on the accomplishments achieved in Colorado.  Large markets like California, Massachusetts, and Canada are well down to the road to implementing legalization and doing so with an open mindset that seems to be slipping in the Centennial State.”

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Studies validate success of Colorado’s cannabis marketplace

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Competition up …

Colorado’s marijuana industry is maturing quite nicely, thank you. That’s the conclusion of new report commissioned by the Colorado Department of Revenue, which says the industry is seeing increased competition and meeting demand for residents and tourists alike, compared to 2014 estimates that the legal market was only supplying 65 percent of demand. 

“This report gives me comfort that the licensed, regulated commercial marketplace is working well and is part of the state’s continuous effort to monitor a comprehensive marijuana regulatory framework, improve transparency and use data to inform the public about Colorado’s marketplace,” Mike Hartman, executive director of the Colorado Department of Revenue, said in a press release.

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Teen use down …

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One of the biggest concerns opponents cite for legal marijuana is the fear that it will become more accessible to children. Adding to a growing body of research to the contrary, two new studies debunk those fears and again validate the state and the industry’s commitment to the regulatory framework and educational efforts to keep teen use down.

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Headlines

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Colorado cannabis sales exceed $5 billion

May sales figures pushed the overall sales of recreational and medical marijuana to more than $5.1 billion since adult use was legalized in January 2014.

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Bill would protect federal workers in states with legal cannabis

Congressional proposal would bar feds from firing employers for marijuana use in states where cannabis is legal.

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Keeping it green

Cannabis industry looks to minimize its environmental footprint with more sustainable packaging.

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Industry taxes fund program for at-risk youth

New marijuana tax-funded program helps first-time teen offenders find alternatives to substance abuse. 

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Quotable

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“We are trying to make the establishment of impairment around marijuana rational and to balance fairness and safety. … This is a disposable cartridge. And there’s a whole bunch of science in this cartridge.”

Oakland-based Hound Labs CEO Mike Lynn
About the breath test his company has developed to detect THC.

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Worth listening to 

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With age comes desire for cannabis wisdom

Seniors are the fastest growing demographic of marijuana users. But many in Colorado say they want more information about its benefits.

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Members in the News

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Native Roots’ commitment to giving back highlighted

The Colorado marijuana dispensary chain donated more than $25,000 to Chanda Plan Foundation, which provides healthcare services for people with disabilities that are not covered by insurance.

The donation came from a June Wellness Month promotion that dedicated a portion of sales of three different marijuana strains high in CBD, which is typically used to manage pain and reduce inflammation.

“We are so honored that Native Roots picked Chanda Plan Foundation for this opportunity,” said Chanda Hinton Leichtle, Executive Director of Chanda Plan Foundation. “This donation is far more than what we imagined, and we will be able to impact many individuals because of it.”