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Colombian University Innovates with Genetic Cannabis Testing

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Colombia’s been on the grind for the past two years (2020-2021), trying to legalize adult-use cannabis. But man, it’s been a journey with its fair share of roadblocks, even with some conservative parties backing it up. Right now, the country’s cool with folks having a personal stash, capped at twenty (20) grams of flower and five (5) grams of hash. Growing? You can have up to 20 plants, but you gotta get the nod from the National Narcotics Council, and stay within those limits.

Now, here’s a fun fact: Colombia’s home to about 1,200 cannabis strains, according to the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA). But here’s the kicker: most consumers and growers don’t really know what kind of ganja they’ve got or how much cannabinoids it’s packing. That’s why some sharp minds from the National University decided to roll up their sleeves and get to the bottom of what kind of herb is being grown and smoked in the country.

So far, the team’s checked out around 360 samples, and guess what? None of them matched the info on the labels sent over to the university’s Biology Department. That means growers and tokers don’t really know what they’re planting or puffing. Juan David Romero, the brainchild behind this project and backed by Professor Felipe Sarmiento, is leading this group of biologists in uncovering this cannabis genetic info gap.

Right now, they’re teaming up with a company called “La Santa Botánica” to dissect 20 cannabis strains. They’ve found some with a hefty dose of THC, that magic molecule with anti-cancer properties. They’ve also pinpointed strains rich in CBD, the wonder molecule used for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, schizophrenia, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and even hemp varieties.

Thanks to Romero’s crew, they’re getting better at telling apart different cannabis strains. This global issue of not really knowing your weed? They’re tackling it head-on, using tools that help organize plant info and toss out any misleading label details.

Romero breaks it down: with these tests, they can spot cannabis genes early on, figuring out if the plant’s got that THC or CBD gene. This means growers can make smarter choices about what they’re growing, and businesses can stay on the right side of regulations.

This Colombian project? It’s leading the charge in Latin America, all happening in a state-of-the-art lab. The goal? Help growers, business folks, and scholars understand their cannabis strains, spot THC and CBD genes, and see what genetic mutations mean for the plant.

 

In a nutshell, this project’s all about fixing the cannabis info gap in Colombia and giving growers and industry peeps the lowdown they need. Being able to genetically ID cannabis strains? That’s a win for the industry and society at large. As for the cost of these tests, it’s $76,000 pesos for genotyping one gene and $390,000 pesos for the full package, which includes genotyping, sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis of two THC and CBD genes.



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California News

Two men convicted in robbery-murder of marijuana dispensary employee in Santa Ana

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Men identified as the shooter and driver were convicted of murder on Monday, Oct. 28, for their roles in the 2019 slaying of a marijuana dispensary worker who was run off the road and shot to death on the edge of the Santa Ana College campus while transporting tens of thousands of dollars in cash.

An Orange County Superior Court jury found John Taylor — the alleged shooter — and Ryan Jones — the alleged driver — guilty of special circumstances murder for killing 29-year-old Osvaldo Garcia of Santa Ana during a robbery on Sept. 16, 2019. The two men now face up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

A third man — Antonio Lamont Triplett — was convicted during an earlier trial of special circumstances murder for his role in the slaying and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors in that earlier trial referred to Triplett as a “bag man” who ran off with Garcia’s backpack and the dispensary money.

Read the rest of this story on ocregister.com.



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AARP

How Cannabis Can Help With Dysmenorrhea

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Millions suffer, but relief could be here thanks to science and a simple plant.  Here is how cannabis can help with dysmenorrhea.

It is an uncomfortable topic to discuss, but the painful truth is a majority of women will suffer it at some point and finding relief is invaluable. Around 80% of women experience period pain at some stage in their lifetime. Dysmenorrhea is the medical term for pain or discomfort during menstruation. It is a common gynecologic problem, but the pain can range from dull cramps to indescribable agony. Here is how cannabis can help with dysmenorrhea.

Medicinal cannabis has emerged as a potential treatment option for dysmenorrhea, offering hope for the tens of millions of women who suffer from menstrual pain. Current medical management options primarily consisting of over-the-counter pain relievers and hormonal contraceptives. The effectiveness of these treatments vary greatly.

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in uterine function and pain perception. Cannabinoid receptors CB1R and CB2R, as well as TRPV receptors, have been identified in human myometrial tissue. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a primary component of cannabis, can act as a cannabinoid agonist, potentially triggering myometrial relaxation and easing menstrual pain.

Photo by Esther Kelleter/Getty

The potential benefits of cannabis for dysmenorrhea includes pain relief, improved sleep quality, and reduced reliance on pharmaceutical pain relievers. While research specifically on cannabis for dysmenorrhea is growing, studies on chronic pain provide some insights:

  • A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that synthetic cannabis products with high THC-to-CBD ratios may offer moderate improvement in pain severity.
  • A meta-analysis of 32 trials showed that medical cannabis or cannabinoids resulted in small to very small improvements in pain relief, physical functioning, and sleep quality among chronic pain patients.

There is significant interest in using cannabis for gynecologic pain management:

  • A survey found that 61.2% of women who had never used cannabis and 90.0% of those who had were willing to try it for gynecologic pain.
  • After cannabis legalization in Canada, current cannabis use increased from 13.3% to 21.5% among women with self-reported moderate-to-severe pelvic pain.

With th American Medical Association, American College of Physicians and even AARP recognizing the medical benefits of cannabis, it is critical more research is funded.  Millions of women may be in pain needlessly due to untreated dysmenorrhea.



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Cannabis Employment: Professional Positions & News

Colorado: COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR II – Natural Medicine Division

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Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Description of Job

 

Natural Medicine Division 

The Natural Medicine Division (NMD) is a dynamic and innovative regulatory agency tasked with implementing the regulated Natural Medicine program in Colorado. The Division implements legislation, develops and recommends rules, conducts regulatory investigations, issues business licenses, engages in outreach and education initiatives, and enforces compliance mandates using a range of intervention strategies necessary to maintain a progressive and robust regulatory framework. The NMD promotes transparency and innovation by utilizing a collaborative approach to engaging with stakeholders, being data-driven, and proactively pursuing solutions to issues in a fast-paced professional environment.

Culture & Environment: The NMD’s culture emphasizes Emotional Intelligence and Problem Solving. Team members are solution-oriented strategic thinkers who demonstrate professionalism, collaboration, and integrity in all interactions. The NMD operates in a dynamic and complex environment that requires team members to support one another in navigating new issues, embracing challenges as opportunities, and communicating with empathy, respect, and in the interest of progress.

Vision: To be leaders in the responsible regulation of Natural Medicines.

Mission: To implement a safe and successful regulatory program for Natural Medicine.

Job Duties:

This position is located in the Lakewood Office of the Natural Medicine Division. It requires a unique level of expertise in reviewing and evaluating complex applications, conducts outreach with licensees and other stakeholders to encourage strict compliance with Regulations, conducts proactive monitoring and inspections to evaluate licensee compliance, and conducts complex investigations into the actions of licensees to determine if recommendations for administrative/disciplinary action is warranted.

 

COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATIONS & ENFORCEMENT

  • Conducts offsite monitoring and onsite inspections of businesses to consistently interpret and assess compliance with applicable Colorado Natural Medicine Laws and Regulations.
  • Supports and conducts prioritized investigations into youth access and product safety-related cases, leveraging Division tools such as the inventory tracking system and licensing database to inform investigative scope and approach.
  • Develops intervention strategies designed to achieve immediate onsite correction and long-term compliance.

LICENSING INVESTIGATIONS

  • Reviews licensing histories and background records of individuals and entities applying for ownership of, or a license to work in, a Regulated Natural Medicine Business.
  • Evaluates applicants’ criminal history, tax history, additional background, and financial interests in other Businesses to determine suitability for licensure.

DATA REPORTING & STATISTICS

  • Extracting and reporting data collected through a variety of databases, including licensing and inventory tracking data, to produce internal and external reports.
  • Contributes to and leads the development of best practices for extracting the available data to create standard reports and identify trends.
  • Briefs and presents relevant data and intelligence to inform the conversation during legislative and rulemaking processes.

 

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

 

Residency Requirement:

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application.

 

Class Code & Classification Description:

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Experience Only:

  • Six (6) years of relevant experience in compliance, investigations, auditing, monitoring, law enforcement, code enforcement, food safety, or risk assessment and management.

OR

Education and Experience:

  • A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in compliance, investigations, auditing, monitoring, law enforcement, code enforcement, food safety, or risk assessment and management equal to six (6) years

NOTE: If submitting a transcript, certification or other relevant materials, candidates may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

  • Previous experience in conducting inspections;
  • Experience in reading, understanding and accurately applying compliance code, regulations, and laws;
  • Experience managing a high volume workload;
  • Experience managing physical and digital records and confidential information;
  • Strong demonstrated written and verbal communication;
  • Strong attention to detail;
  • Strong critical thinking ability and problem solving
  • Experienced with data collection, organization, and analysis;
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Suite;
  • Change management oriented;
  • Effective time management;
  • Proven ability to accurately prioritize and meet deadlines;
  • Those candidates with previous experience in a licensing or regulatory environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment with the CDOR:

Employees are in a position of public trust in the performance of their job duties and must operate in a manner that maintains the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and public confidence.

As a condition of employment with the CDOR, all personnel must file all necessary Colorado Individual Income Tax (CIIT) returns and pay tax obligations, therefore all employees must undergo a pre-employment evaluation of their tax records/accounts to ensure compliance with this policy. Final candidates must also complete a successful background investigation and reference check prior to appointment. Certain positions based on duties may require scheduled background investigations.

Minimum Qualification Screening

A Human Resources Analyst will only review the work experience/job duties sections of the online job application, to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Only complete applications submitted before the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed.

  • Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications to continue in the selection process for this position. Do not use “see resume” or “see attached” statements on your application.
  • Cover letters and resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the official State of Colorado online application. Part-time work experience will be prorated.
  • Recommended attachments: Resume, Cover letter (Optional if Manager is requesting them)
  • List your employment history starting with the most recent job, including part-time, temporary, and volunteer jobs. If more than one job was held with a given organization, list each job held as a separate period of employment.
  • Information must be accurate, including dates of employment.  If it is found that information provided is falsified, you will not be considered for a job with the State of Colorado and/or may be removed from a job after hire.
  • The eligible list established from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies.

Email Address:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email.  Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from “state.co.us” and “[email protected]” addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director.

 

Appeal Rights:

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

 

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

 

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, atspb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

 

Supplemental Information

 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Compliance

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

The Colorado Department of Revenue is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA inbox, [email protected].

We are committed to building work environments that are inclusive and reflect our communities and the diverse talents of all people.  We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds and abilities to apply.

If not applying online, submit application to:

If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader). Paper applications must be received via email to [email protected] by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.

Methods of Appointment:

Appointment to the vacancy or vacancies represented by this announcement is expected to be from the eligible list created. However, at the discretion of the appointing authority, the position(s) may be filled by another method of appointment for a valid articulated business reason.

Step Pay Program:

Per the requirements of the Step Pay Program, any former or current State employee must be paid a rate that is equal to or greater than the appropriate step pay rate within their classification’s pay range based on completed years in their current class series.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado/jobs/4705374/compliance-investigator-ii-natural-medicine-division



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