Marijuana institute takes shape at Humboldt; third in a series of lectures Tuesday

A first-of-its-kind academic institute focused strictly on marijuana issues is taking shape at Humboldt State University this fall semester. The interdisciplinary institute, made up primarily of HSU faculty, is hosting a series of lectures that are open to the public and digging into marijuana-centric research in several academic fields.

”They finally tapped into something that's a big local concern and part of the identity here,” said politics professor Jason Plume, who hosts a talk on marijuana regulatory reform Tuesday night at 5:30 p.m. in HSU's Native Forum.

The lectures have focused on hot marijuana-themed topics in our area -- the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting, and the effects of cultivation on local wildlife. An October symposium gathered Humboldt County Sheriff Mike Downey, District Attorney Paul Gallegos, two county supervisors and a Fish and Game biologist to talk environmental impacts of marijuana production, and possible policy changes.

Plume will speak Tuesday night on recent marijuana legalization efforts in several states, and the regulatory structure needed for them to succeed.

http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_22062798/marijuana-institute-takes-shape-at-hsu-third-series