EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE

Colorado State University-Pueblo’s Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) has decided how it will allocate the funding toward cannabis research that it will receive from Pueblo County and Colorado State. In total, ICR is to receive $270,000 from the county and $900,000 from the state.

As Colorado has set precedent for many other states as the first state to legalize recreational cannabis, it is no surprise that CSU-Pueblo will continue to set the bar with groundbreaking research into cannabis. Although there has been research and education about cannabis and cannabinoids, there is still a need for research into the long-term effects of cannabis and its impact on society, whether it be positive or negative.

According to a November 29 release from the university, there are 10 faculty leading the research at ICR, which will consist of professional development, pilot studies and major projects. Various disciplines will be represented within this research, including business, biology, chemistry, education, engineering and psychology.

“Among the major projects are an examination of the effects of medicinal cannabinoids (CBD) on seizures in adults with medically refractory epilepsy, analysis of industrial hemp fibers in 3D-printing, and development of a cannabis growth and research infrastructure at the university.”

There will be a few major projects that are especially interesting, as shared by writer of the press release, Executive Director of External Affairs of CSU-Pubelo, Cora Zaletel. “Among the major projects are an examination of the effects of medicinal cannabinoids (CBD) on seizures in adults with medically refractory epilepsy, analysis of industrial hemp fibers in 3D-printing, and development of a cannabis growth and research infrastructure at the university.”

Zaletel continued to explain that some other projects will include creating a groundbreaking way to extract CBD from cannabis flowers and leaves. The research will also look to find how CBD might promote memory and emotional learning. In addition, the researchers will investigate how the endocannabinoid system might affect viral infections.

CSU-Pueblo President Lesley Di Mare shared her satisfaction with the institute in a press release. “I’m very pleased with the progress being made at the institute,” said Di Mare. “It is imperative that we are good stewards of the state and county funds through our research and education mission, and that we communicate our progress to our constituents.”

Research at ICR will utilize $220,000 from Pueblo County, using the additional $50,000 to create a Pueblo County impact study. The institute will utilize $739,946 of funding from Colorado toward research. The additional money was used to create the institute, and it will also be used to throw the cannabis research conference that is happening on campus in April 2017 in addition to affording an interim managing director and creating a Journal of Cannabis Research.

Now that the university has finalized its plans for the funding it is to receive, this is a pivotal first step toward the institute’s plan to start its work in the coming year. While funds are set for 2017, it will be up to the university leaders to propose its 2018 budget plan at the next Colorado legislative session.