University Counsel outlines requirements related to marijuana research

Among the side effects of recent changes to Colorado’s marijuana laws: increasing interest in cannabis-related research.

Last week, the Colorado School of Public Health sponsored a symposium on marijuana and public health, where experts from CU and beyond explored the medical and public policy implications of the state’s new cannabis laws.

This week, the Office of University Counsel issued a memorandum detailing the legal framework governing how marijuana-related research must be conducted under federal, state and University of Colorado requirements.

No CU faculty members have authority to perform research without complying with the requirements.

Colorado’s General Assembly also is exploring its ability to fund marijuana-related research. CU’s governmental relations professionals are working with lawmakers to define the legal framework by which this funding could be distributed, including engaging with federal agencies that have regulatory authority over marijuana-related research.

Colorado and Washington are the states that have passed laws decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana, and creating a regulatory system for production, processing and sale. Colorado previously was one of 20 states that passed laws allowing marijuana to be used for medical purposes.

Click here to read the full memorandum sent to faculty.

Anyone with questions about the processes for conducting particular research is asked to contact University Counsel Patrick O’Rourke at Patrick.orourke@cu.edu or 303-860-5686.