By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

By the students, for the students of Central Washington University

The Observer

State budget passes, CWU receives funding

Eric Rosane, Staff Reporter
July 4, 2017

Legislation struck a resolution last Friday night after Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed into proposition the $43.7 billion statewide budget that will go into effect next academic school year to fund...

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Paradiso 2017 wows attendees, Live Nation works to eliminate drug problems

Susie Chavez, Staff Reporter
July 2, 2017

This past weekend not only marked the first day of summer, but also two nights of EDM music, laser lights, and carnival rides. Paradiso 2017 took over the Gorge Amphitheatre with 28,000 attendees at one...

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Sociology major Jessica Murillo (left) begins her freestyle rap. Marketing major Ted Wolfe (right), who helped put the event together for Campus Activities on May 26, decides to test his rapping abilities.

Campus Activities lets students try out their rap chops

Samuel Beaumonte, News Reporter
June 1, 2017

On Friday May 26, Campus Activities hosted “4 Bar Friday”, inviting students from around campus to show off their skills or try it for the first time on the SURC’s East Patio. “This is a way to...

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Moving out of a residence hall at the end of spring quarter can be a pain, but Housing tries to make the process easy.

How to successfully move out of the residence halls

Ben Ramirez, News Reporter
June 1, 2017

The year is coming to an end, which means most students are looking forward to going home and enjoying summer. For a lot of students, this means moving out of their room in their respective residence hall....

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Despite many negative attitudes towards marijuana, it was found to be the second safest drug according to a Global Drug Survey.

‘The Reefer Madness’ Survey shows marijuana safer than most drugs

Miles King, News Reporter
June 1, 2017

The results of a recent Global Drug Survey (GDS) suggest that cannabis is one of the safest drugs with a low number of users requiring emergency medical attention. The survey polled roughly 115 thousand...

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Bailey’s Bibliomania’s well-known sign features owner John Varner’s beagle, Bailey. The relaxing space inside Bailey’s has been a mainstay in Ellensburg for 11 years despite three previous moves to different locations.

Bailey’s Bibliomania to make big move from the ‘Burg

Jack Belcher, News Reporter
May 25, 2017

The books stacked on the walls, shelves and floors create a labyrinth of knowledge from wall to wall. The smell of old paper wafts through the building as the sound of Louis Armstrong’s “It’s a...

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Shaw-Smyser Hall will be home to the newest program addition to the College of Business (CoB), Personal Financial Planning.

New financial program added to College of Business

Samuel Beaumonte, News Reporter
May 25, 2017

Earlier this month, the College of Business (CoB) held a student info session where it gave out two scholarships to students in attendance and announced its newest academic program: Personal Financial...

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Presidential candidate JR Siperly asks questions to state representatives on May 3.

ASCWU Elections show importance of voting

Eric Rosane, News Reporter
May 25, 2017

elections come to a close, a resounding quote by comedian W.C Fields comes to mind: “I never voted for anybody, I always voted against.” In such tense political epochs, we often forget the importance...

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Recent studies done by researchers at Bonn University in Germany suggest that small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can restore memory and learning functions in the brains of older subjects, similar to the levels of younger subjects.
Previous studies have shown that THC exposure in younger and adolescent subjects reduces learning and memory ability. The results of this study reflect the opposite in older subjects.
The study was completed using mice ranging in ages from 2 to 18 months. The older mice treated with small doses of THC showed similar cognitive function to the younger mice during testing.
The researchers are planning a clinical trial on humans showing signs of cognitive decline. The results from the study done on mice are promising for those with Alzheimer’s. THC decreases the production of amyloid beta, a protein that spikes in early stages of the disease, according to a study done at the University of South Florida.
Billy Lauderdale, an employee at Cannabis Central in Ellensburg, has noticed an increase in the number of elderly customers.
These customers are purchasing more cannabidiol (CBD) products than marijuana products including THC, according to Lauderdale. Lauderdale believes more marijuana research will “help people understand there is more than one side” to pot and it is not just used to get high. The older customers are utilizing the other parts of the plant.
With more research on medical benefits Dan DeVries, manager at The Fire House in Ellensburg, said “the stigma will go away,” referring to the stereotypes surrounding pot users.
“We’ve been lied to for so long,” DeVries said.
The criminalization and stigmatization of pot goes back to before the Nixon administration, and DeVries believes the older generation is very prideful and stuck in their ways. 
DeVries also believes the lack of research into medical marijuana has led to “people not being able to get outside their circumstances,” in addition to being somewhat narrow-minded.
He also believes younger generations understand marijuana better than older generations. DeVries recognizes the older generation’s lack of acceptance stems from the way they were raised, which was to believe pot is a highly addictive gateway drug.
DeVries also called upon the media to continue to cover medical marijuana research. He believes if the media “continues to publish the hell out of positive news” regarding pot, the older generations could possibly be swayed to change their minds on medical marijuana.

The Miracles of CBD: Study shows increase of memory and learning in older mice

Miles King, News Reporter
May 25, 2017

Recent studies done by researchers at Bonn University in Germany suggest that small amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can restore memory and learning functions in the brains of older subjects, similar...

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Members of the Boffering Club spar each other by the Recreation Center. They hope to be recognized as a club by fall quarter.

Boffering Club in limbo without CWU approval

Natalie Baldwin, News Reporter
May 11, 2017

Laughter filled the SURC lawn as people were seen swinging at each other with foam swords. After a few weeks of not meeting, Sacred Winds, the unofficial boffering club here on campus, is happy to be outside...

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Protestors and petitioners are allowed at Fred Meyer as the outside parking lot are is declared a public space according to law.

Petitioner and protesters clash at Fred Meyer

Racquel Rollins, Senior News Reporter
May 11, 2017

Anyone who went to Fred Meyer early last week  likely saw petition signatures being gathered for Initiative 1522, as well as people peacefully protesting the petition gathering.   A man, Larry...

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Lemurs are among the most protected and endangered primate species in the world due to their exclusivity to Madagascar.

Lemur expert speaking on primate care

Eric Rosane, News Reporter
May 11, 2017

Good company and the ability to travel are all valued benefits that someone would consider when choosing a career. To Dr. Lisa Gould, these benefits seem miniscule when she considers the impact of her...

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