SB17-193 Summary

• Establishes the Center for Research into Substance Use Disorder Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Support Strategies at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

• Center's mission includes establishing or expanding research programs on prevention and treatment of substance use disorders including opioid addiction, developing innovative treatments, and expanding partnerships with other organizations.

• Appropriates $1,000,000 from the marijuana tax cash fund to the Department of Higher Education for the 2017-18 fiscal year for the center's implementation.

• Findings cite Colorado's significant substance abuse crisis including 10,000+ overdose deaths since 2000, doubling overdose mortality rates from 2000 to 2015, and higher methamphetamine, cocaine, and alcohol use rates compared to other states.

• Declares research into substance use disorder strategies is state policy to foster health, welfare, and safety of Colorado residents.