OCC Funded Scientific Studies--Measure 80 part 25

   This section of the text of Measure 80 discusses the types of scientific studies that the OCC will fund:

474.205 Commission to study methods of use, potential for abuse, establish cannabis levels for presumption of impairment. The commission, in consultation with the Board of Pharmacy and by grants to accredited research facilities, shall:

(a) Study methods of use and the potential for, and ill effects of, abuse of cannabis, the possible damage of throat and lungs from inhaling cannabis smoke, less harmful methods of administration, including but not limited to filtration of smoke and non-combustive vaporization of the psychoactive agents in cannabis, and shall report its findings in pamphlets distributed at OCC stores; and,

(b) Study cannabis impairment and, if practicable, shall establish by rule levels of cannabinoids and impairment above which a person shall be presumed impaired.

  In plain English, the OCC will provide grants to independent, accredited research facilities to determine the health effects of cannabis use and establish levels of impairment.  These studies will:

(a) Study the effects of cannabis smoke on the throat and lungs and whether vaporization and other methods of intake are less harmful.  These findings will be published in pamphlets to be available in OCC stores.

(b) Establish whether or not there is a level of cannabinoids in the bloodstream above which a person should not be driving or otherwise undertaking serious responsibilities.  If there is, the OCC will seek for such a limit will be put into place.

  So Measure 80 insures that some of the money made from cannabis transactions will fund the research necessary to provide cannabis consumers with objective, scientifically-determined information about the health risks associated with smoking pot, as well as research to establish how much effect levels of THC have on driving ability and decision-making skills.