Colorado hits a first for the U.S. hemp industry: Certified seeds that won’t turn into weed
A crop of hemp. (Adrian Cable/Wikimedia)
FRUITA, Colo. (AP) — Colorado is expected to reach another national first on cannabis Wednesday when state agriculture officials show off the first domestic certified hemp seeds.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture has been working for years to produce hemp seeds that consistently produce plants low enough in the chemical THC to qualify as hemp and not its intoxicating cousin, marijuana.
Hemp production was authorized by Congress in 2014. But farmers who want to grow it must have state certification to raise the crop. The industry estimates that fewer than 7,000 acres are being grown nationwide this year.
Colorado is the first state to certify hemp seed, which means the seed has been proven to be genetically pure and to produce hemp and not marijuana.
Colorado farmers can buy the certified hemp seeds in 2017.
Colorado Senate Watch 2020: Lorena Garcia wants to be a progressive champion for all
The community organizer and first-time politician is laying out a very green platform.
Work begins on Westwood complex that will nurture food, art and culture
A full-service grocery store will be part of the complex.
What we’ve learned about Denver’s e-scooter use, and some questions about a ‘Wall-E’ future
A good chunk of scooter riders are using them to replace walking trips.
Colorado ‘red flag’ gun bill passes first hearing
Florida passed its own “red flag” law after the February 2017 Parkland school massacre, and 12 other states have done so.
Colorado Senate Watch 2020: Mike Johnston will bring his fight against the NRA to a national stage
The former state legislator and gubernatorial hopeful believes gun safety remains a high priority for Coloradans.
Colorado Legislature OK’s bill to give the state’s votes to the winner of the national popular vote
Colorado would join 11 other states and the District of Columbia in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.
What’s affordable housing? Where’s affordable housing in Denver?
Among the important things to know: "Affordable" is a technical term with a specific definition.
Opening alert: Broadway Market takes aim at all your lunchtime and happy hour cravings
Golden Triangle and west Cap Hill lunchers, ready your stomachs.
The odyssey of Denver chef Randall Borne and his persistence through gentrification
“When you follow the trajectory of Randall and where he is at today, that story will basically unfold into the larger story of displacement, gentrification and the scattering of the community.”
Ivy on 7th will replace Lala’s and Carboy Winery will replace Govnr’s Park
Ivy on 7th, a breakfast restaurant, should be open in early April.
Colorado Senate Watch 2020: Andrew Romanoff is back, with CEO experience
The former Colorado House Speaker served in the legislature for eight years and most recently worked as president for a mental health advocacy organization.
Denver’s police watchdog just got sharper teeth
The Office of the Independent Monitor got a little stronger and the mayor's office got a little weaker.
Adams County Child and Family Services Center to be re-purposed as housing, including for former foster children
The 116-unit housing development will have 12 units for young people who were once in the foster system.
Colorado Catholic dioceses submit to voluntary abuse review
A former federal prosecutor will review the sexual abuse files and the church has agreed to pay an unlimited amount of reparations to victims.
Denver will ease up on nonviolent crime, but only some offenders will benefit from the softer touch
The idea is to divert people charged with low-level crimes like drug possession and prostitution to stabilizing services.
The Chariot shuttle is back from the dead at the University of Denver
(It never actually stopped living.)
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser celebrates Presidents Day by suing President Trump
More than 100 demonstrators rallied outside the State Capitol in opposition to President Trump’s emergency declaration to fund a border wall.