This week, the cannabis industry in Colorado, led by University of Colorado Regent Wanda James (who also owns Denver’s dispensary Simply Pure), reacted to a new antimarijuana campaign funded with state funds of $2 million.
James wrote in an LinkedIn post on Sunday that the Tea on THC, which is run jointly by the Colorado School for Public Health (CSPH) and the private company Initium Health was sharing “racist” imagery on social networks and using anti-cannabis “debunked myths” to target minority groups.
The images that James objected to – which apparently were removed from Tea on THC’s website and Instagram account as of Tuesday morning – were cartoons of Black babies and children, with supposed “facts” about cannabis hovering around the Black kids.
James stated that one of his claims has been “debunked”. It reads: “THC Transfer: THC enters breast milk and remains there.” James pointed out a caption that was placed right beside the first one, which said, “Research is needed: Cannabis effects on breastfeeding are not clear.”
The other images – all featuring cartoons of Black children – go on to suggest that the use of cannabis by pregnant women could lead to ongoing cognitive development problems in children as they grow, ranging from “impaired mental development” to “challenges with impulse control” to “altered brain activity, higher psychosis and substance risk.”
James explained that the information (they) are putting forth is a false belief. This was done in a way that came off as being amazingly racist. The information provided is also objectively false.
James told us that on Monday she spoke directly to University of Colorado leaders, including Chancellor Justin Schwartz as well as President Todd Saliman. James says that they both agreed with the fact that she found the pictures offensive, and because the CSPH falls under the CU umbrella system were able get them removed.
James Corbett said “The black people were the ones who committed this crime.” Being Black doesn’t shield you from being stupid.
She said that James wants to suspend the campaign, mainly because the state is paying for it with $2 million, as a result of the 2021 legislation which directed the creation of an awareness campaign about high-potency marijuana products. James, who is also a close friend of Gov. Jared Polis, who has been in office for about two decades now, could have the power to make it happen.
“I’d like the IG to be removed, as well as the website.” I also had a conversation yesterday with … the governor and members of the governor’s team, and we’re looking at pulling funding from (the Colorado School for Public Health) for this,” James said. The money was taken from CDPHE, and given to CU Anschutz as part of House Bill 1317. … It was $2 million, and this is what they came up with for $2 million.”
The spokespeople of CU and Initium Health didn’t respond to comments Tuesday.
James has warned that the campaign isn’t an isolated event. She sees it as a reminder of the need for vigilant politicians to protect the cannabis industry. They must be ready to defend against anti-cannabis activists, who are constantly introducing bills that would limit THC levels, cut funding to social equity programs and many other ways to reverse marijuana legalization.
James stated that “it seems we will have to constantly be diligent, and fight against this issue to even be able exist as an industry which is viable and brings billions of dollars in tax revenue to the state of Colorado.”
James stated that there has already been another anti-marijuana law introduced to the Colorado Legislature during this session. Senate Bill 76. James explained how the bill would disrupt the marijuana industry by introducing a raft new regulations. These include a complete ban on edibles as well as a total prohibition of cannabis sales for anyone younger than 25.
James stated that both the bill and campaign are likely to be the work of Blue Rising. This nonprofit activist group has tried for many years, through incremental legislation, to reverse the legalization of marijuana in Colorado.
“A lot of parents out there want to blame their issues with their children on cannabis, and there is just not that case,” James said. This isn’t an industry issue. This is about being able send your children out in the world as good parents, and being able make wise choices just like anyone else.
Initium Health released an apology for “representation and images” in its campaign on Tuesday because “these evoked historical misrepresentations.” The apology, however, did not deal with the allegations of misinformation.