The state of Colorado will fund a research aimed at determining the effects of pot. The Colorado Health Department has stated that the $2.35 million provided will mostly be used to determine the impact of pot on drivers.
According to a report by Denver Post, the first study will compare the driving ability of occasional users and heavy consumers of pot. The second study seeks to determine the impact of dabbing on driving and cognitive functions. Dabbing is a style of consuming pot using marijuana extracts that are highly potent. The studies will consume $1.68 million.
According to the executive director of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Dr. Larry Wolk, this project is very important for Colorado as well as the whole nation. He said that the findings of the study will provide valuable information that will help shape policies related to cannabis.
The funds will also be used to determine the effect of pot on breast milk as well as if there exists traces of the substance in the milk of breast feeding mums. The project will also determine the effects of cannabis in older adults, cardiovascular risks associated with people with heart diseases and the effects of edible marijuana products. Also, a Colorado State University professor will conduct another examination of data from before and after implementation of recreational cannabis.
In June, John Hickenlooper; the Colorado governor, approved funds that amount to around $9 million. This money will be used to fund more research on various kinds of marijuana products in Colorado, these studies will run within the next five years.
Dr. Wolk stated that they intend to do thorough research in their quest to determine the impact marijuana has on normal body functions since a large population is using the substance in everyday life.
Following the 2016 election, eight states recently approved marijuana legalization measures.
This study on the impact of pot on drivers is timely since the results could also be used by other states to solve their marijuana dilemma. For instance, information from this project could be used in California where Assemblyman Tom Lackey recently came up with a bill that seeks to give police officers the power to perform roadside tests on drivers suspected to be high on cannabis.
