News

Quotable

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“Most of the things I feared most, haven’t occurred. We didn’t see a giant spike in teenage consumption. We didn’t see a spike in any consumption. The only place we’ve seen a slow but consistent increase in consumption is among senior citizens.”

– Gov. John Hickenlooper 

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Surveys, Half Truths & Myths

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The other side of the story

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 »

Speaking of half truths 

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 »

And, debunking one more myth

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 »

Headlines

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Colorado gets new cannabis coordinator

Gov. John Hickenlooper appoints Dominique Mendiola to replace Mark Bolton as director of marijuana coordination.

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Educating parents

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has launched two new marijuana education campaigns aimed at parents.

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Feds approve CBD drug

The FDA’s approves cannabis-based epilepsy drug, it’s first ever recognition of a medical use for pot.

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Quotable

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“Yes, the critics have been loud in their opposition, twisting countless statistics to back their anti-marijuana messages. The reality, however, is most of their talk is just that: talk. The figures thrown around are often inaccurate or based on data that has no historical basis for comparison.

If you look at the solid data that we do have, it’s quite clear that this grand experiment, both responsibly and methodically implemented here in Colorado, has been a resounding success from both an economic and public policy perspective.”

Chuck Smith, CEO of Dixie Brands, Inc., and president of Colorado Leads.

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LEADership

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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.

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The changing politics of marijuana

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Nothing’s ever certain when it comes to politics, a fact that has become increasingly clear in recent weeks both at home and in Washington, D.C.

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. 

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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. 

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Headlines

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Colorado rules

A new report ranks Colorado as the best state in the country to start a marijuana business.

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Looking ahead

Cannabis pioneers predict where the industry is headed.

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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. 

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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.

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Quotable

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“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

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The Coffee Joint

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Take virtual tour of the nation’s first marijuana club with Colorado Public Radio. Besides sampling your purchase, you can watch TV, play foosball or attend a cannabis-infused yoga class. The shop’s biggest customers: tourists looking for a legal place to consume the marijuana they’ve bought before leaving town.

“Some of the tourists, they come in with their bags for DIA, stay in here, consume and go back to DIA, because they had a layover,” co-owner Rita Tslayuk says.

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