HB 19-1311: Institute of Cannabis Research

• Creates the Institute of Cannabis Research at Colorado State University - Pueblo to conduct research on cannabis clinical applications, biotechnologies, medical marijuana efficacy, and cannabis-related economic development, with results to be publicly disseminated.

• Establishes an 11-member governing board consisting of four state officials (Chancellor of CSU System, Executive Director of Colorado Commission on Higher Education, President of University of Colorado, Executive Director of Department of Public Health and Environment) and seven governor-appointed members including three scientists and four cannabis industry representatives.

• Authorizes the general assembly to allocate marijuana tax cash fund revenues to support the Institute for personnel, research, annual symposium, and administrative costs, and allows the Institute to accept grants, donations, and other revenue sources.

• Requires the governing board to fund research through competitive processes, award funds to Colorado-based nonprofits and higher education institutions, and approve the Institute's annual budget; mandates recipients present research results at annual symposium.

• Allows the current host institution to opt out with one fiscal year's notice, enabling the governing board to relocate the Institute to another Colorado institution with a minimum five-year hosting commitment, subject to national best practices for the search process.