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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

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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Instead of a patron saint or diety, the International Church of Cannabis praises marijuana without a religious text or scripture.

‘Elevating Yourself’: Colorado church houses unique group

Miles King, News Reporter
May 11, 2017

The International Church of Cannabis opened its doors on perhaps the most appropriate date of the year April 20, 2017 (also known as “4/20”). Located in Denver, Colorado, the church is home to a group...

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Reece-Bruya sits at her desk in Dean Hall with a stack of forms and applications that go through her office on a daily basis.

Monica Reece-Bruya: Secretary Extraordinaire

Ryan Kinker, News Editor
May 4, 2017

While professors are well-known on CWU’s campus, some of the most important staff members are not as visible, despite having a bigger impact on the success of students and faculty. By filing paperwork...

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In his years at CWU, Hubbard has had an impact on students and community members alike.

Barto Hall Superman: Dale Hubbard

Ryan Kinker, News Editor
May 4, 2017

In the corner of the SURC along the front wall of 88.1 the ‘Burg’s office, trophies sit on a shelf and plaques fill the walls. These awards recognize the students and volunteers of years past and their...

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Florida representatives Matt Gaetz and Darren Soto are fighting to change the Drug Enforcement Agency’s weed policy.

Cannabis as a Schedule III drug

Miles King, News Reporter
May 4, 2017

Florida House of Representatives members, Matt Gaetz and Darren Soto, proposed a bill in mid-April to move marijuana from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III substance. In 1970, President Richard...

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Any student who receives a tuition waiver from CWU might not under the new RCM budget model enacted for next year.

RCM budget to affect CWU tuition waivers

Racquel Rollins, Senior News Reporter
May 1, 2017

Around 20 percent of CWU students have some sort of tuition waiver, but the new budget model might change this.   Starting this summer, CWU will be under a Responsibility-Centered Management (RCM)...

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Justin Mann (left) and Ashtyn Mann hold their JDRF-sponsored jerseys for their upcoming cross-county bike trip.

Biking to benefit hu-Mann-kind

Jack Belcher, News Reporter
May 1, 2017

CWU grad Ashtyn Mann and her older brother Justin Mann are raising money for  a bike ride across the country from California to South Carolina.   Justin Mann was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes,...

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There has been conflict betweeen NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL Player’s Association about Marijuana use.

Pills versus Marijuana: NFL players consider alternative pain relief

Miles King, News Reporter
May 1, 2017

Current and former  NFL players have recently come out in support of marijuana use for pain relief. With pot becoming more socially accepted, in addition to becoming legalized in certain states, prescription...

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