PUEBLO – The Institute of Cannabis Research is hosting its third annual conference this weekend at CSU-Pueblo.
The first day wrapped up Saturday.
More than 200 people gathered to learn about the latest research developments when it comes to cannabis.
Among the speakers was Professor James McIntosh.
He traveled from Concordia University in Montreal all the way to Pueblo to talk about marijuana’s impact on students’ performance in grades 6 to 12.
“If you’re a regular user of marijuana, you’re much less likely to be successful in school than you would be if you were a never-user,” he said.
McIntosh says those who smoke before age 21 are interfering with their own neurological development.
“They’re not able to do the kinds of things that they would like to do as well as they would like to do,” McIntosh explained.
But he acknowledges there are many sides to the issue.
“It gives people pleasure, there are important medical uses of marijuana,” McIntosh noted.
“But recreational marijuana is something that if they start using at the age of 15 or 16, that’s a different story.”
His session is one of the dozens taking place.
“The conference is all areas of cannabis research,” said Chad Kinney, Director of the Institute of Cannabis Research.
“I think we have a very diverse program this year. Everything from plant genetics to [the] legal and regulatory side of cannabis research.”
The sessions weigh the good, the bad, and the unknown.
“You have folks that are looking at the potential medical benefits but also some of the risks and concerns that exist,” Kinney added.
Attendees include people involved in medical research, academic research, and people involved in the cannabis industry.
The conference wraps up Monday afternoon.
