You are invited to a Zoom meeting.

January 2021 BYU Management Society Meeting.

When: Jan 21, 2021 12:00 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZModeqpqz0tHNwBsCxCkGn7uyUNP8dXDDS1

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Colorado’s Changing Marijuana Laws & Today’s Newest Type of “Marijuana”

Why They Both Matter & What You Can Do to Better Protect Your Kids and Community

Over the past two years there have been significant changes to Colorado marijuana laws which are expanding marijuana access. Meanwhile, Colorado’s regulatory structure has not stayed up with the evolution of today’s new ultra-high THC marijuana, that appeals to youth and young adults.

Science shows the human brain is not fully developed until around age 25, making healthy brain development especially vulnerable to such mind-altering products, that can be consumed in concealable and deceiving forms and devices. These factors combined with public confusion and lack of knowledge that such products even exist; are creating a growing health and abuse epidemic for Colorado youth and our state’s most vulnerable populations. Colorado high school students now report “dabbing” high THC concentrates as their usual method of marijuana use at rates nearly 3X’s higher than adults. A recent state health report concludes that use of high THC potency marijuana is correlated with negative mental health outcomes such as: anxiety, depression, and increased instances of psychosis including schizophrenia.

Diane Carlson, co-founder of Smart Colorado, a statewide nonpartisan nonprofit, focused on safeguards for kids--will discuss how Colorado is at a crossroads. Diane will highlight what we can do as citizens and community leaders to prioritize health, safety, and responsible data-driven regulations—so, we don’t risk doing more harm to our communities and an entire generation of kids.

Additional Background Information:

Smart Colorado formed after marijuana was legalized for adult recreational use. Smart Colorado is not about reversing marijuana legalization or recriminalizing marijuana, but is focused on minimizing its negative impacts for Colorado youth and the communities they live in The organization has been the primary voice advocating for and securing important youth and community safeguards. This includes expanding marijuana free zones and limiting locations, hours of operations, and outlet density; and requiring childproof packaging, marking of marijuana edibles, improved disclosures on labels and warnings, data collection on youth impacts, and resources to be allocated to better support youth education, prevention, health and wellness.

Diane has participated in all aspects of the legislative, education, and regulatory-making process since 2013. She continues to serve on Colorado’s statewide marijuana education committee and remains a trusted go-to source for law makers, media, and community members. Diane’s past work experience entails running a successful human resource company serving major fortune 500 companies. and working at the New York Federal Reserve Bank as a policy analyst. For years, Diane has been actively involved in Colorado public schools and has held executive positions in organizations committed to youth success and expanding resources and opportunities for Colorado kids and young adults. She is the mother of five children ages 19 to 30. Diane has a B.A. in History and Economics from the University of Maryland, and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University.