Notified — Studying cannabis vs. marijuana, Tipton’s AHCA vote & the gravel appeal
May, 5 2017 | CSU-Pueblo won’t use ‘marijuana’ to describe its research.
Recently PULP was at a meeting where CSU-Pueblo’s Institute of Cannabis Research director said something interesting: Marijuana and cannabis are not the same thing.
You may agree. You may use the terms interchangably. But we wanted to know why the institute was so adamant that the research was on cannabis, not marijuana — even when the words were used to mean the same thing.
That story leads Notified this week. After the jump, new developments on the sheriff recall in Fremont County, what’s next for the proposed gravel pit in Pueblo County and where to find spicy beer this weekend.
Cannabis vs. Marijuana, how CSU-Pueblo is researching the substance
The Institute of Cannabis Research at CSU-Pueblo wants to be clear. It is studying the plant — cannabis — and all of its scientific parts.
At a gathering for newly-founded community group PROPuebloCO in April, one businessman said he was disappointed in the first conference ICR was hosting because the featured speakers all seemed to be “pro-marijuana.”
When ICR interim director Jenn Mullen was asked after the meeting for a reaction to the comment she replied, “We study cannabis, not marijuana.”
But aren’t they the same?
Mullen, who was a professor, CSU-Pueblo department chair and worked under university president Lesley Di Mare, says no. The two words mean different things.
We interviewed Mullen about that difference and what it means for research at the CSU-Pueblo institute.
You can read that interview here.
How Colorado’s delegation voted to repeal ‘Obamacare’
One Republican in Colorado voted against repealing the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Mike Coffman of Aurora voted against the Trump administration replacement along with 19 other Republicans. The rest of Colorado’s Republican congressmen voted for the bill.
Coffman’s statement:
Reps. Doug Lamborn, Scott Tipton and Ken Buck voted for the bill that marginally passed. All three have faced backlash and questioning from constituents for the GOP’s move to repeal and replace ACA.
Tipton, who represents Southern Colorado, said in prior town halls that he didn’t support the original bill — his reasoning was that it cut spending to Medicaid and axed coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. But this time, he was a yes vote.
Tipton’s release:
Opposition submits appeal on controversial Pueblo gravel mine decision
PULP has been covering a proposed gravel mine in Eastern Pueblo County. Why? Beyond an angry group of residents near Avondale, this issue goes deeper into politics, policy and even campaign finance.
Before going ahead, the mine may face one more hurdle before becoming a reality. A group opposing the mine submitted an an appeal of the Pueblo County Planning Commission decision Wednesday.
The board of county commissioners could ultimately determine whether the approved permit for applicant Fremont Paving moves forward on the 40th Lane site.
“There is nothing good about this,” said Wendi Kerns, who is leading the opposition group.
Read more here.
Fremont County Sheriff recall watch
A group of citizens in Fremont County need 4,000 signatures to recall sheriff Jim Beicker. So far the Cañon City Daily Record reports Rick Ratzlaff, who his leading the recall effort, has about 200 signatures.
The recall, if it happens, will cost around $85,000. All signatures will have to be collected within 60 days.
Marijuana industry donations are risky business
Even if medical or recreational marijuana businesses want to donate a portion of their profit to non-profits it can be difficult. Channel 9 in Denver looked into the world of donating marijuana money. And it’s not simple.
“Nothing is simple in cannabis, I’ve learned,” said Amanda Gonzalez, CEO of Kaya Cannabis. “Many non-profits are part of national organizations or their of board of directors is just a little bit more conservative and nervous about what’s still a relatively new industry.”
In Colorado, marijuana is legal. In the eyes of the federal government, it’s still illegal, essentially making donations from a pot shop, drug money.
Is altitude causing suicide in the West?
Some researchers think so.
From High Country News:
Two studies, each by an overlapping group of scientists looking into the matter, were published back in 2010 and 2011. The findings didn’t get a lot of play at the time. But after CDC released its latest data, for 2012, showing that the suicide rate has been increasing nationwide, particularly in Western states like Utah and Colorado, and after an article on the altitude findings was published at Science.Mic in November, the theory attracted more attention.
Oh, and just so you know:
Our Pursuit of Hoppiness column writer Jason Cipriani tipped us off on this one. He also has the need-to-know on Ska Brewing. So we guess a trip to Durango is in order…
