CORTEZ — Hemp being grown by Colorado State University in southwest Colorado is hidden in a crop of corn at a secret location, but Colorado farmers can ask for a tour of the 12 varieties being tested.

Growing hemp, a genetic cousin of marijuana, is still regulated by the federal government, mostly for research. The researchers have permission from the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

“We’re keeping a low profile to avoid any trouble, like vandalism or theft by youth mistaking it for marijuana,” said Abdel Berrada, senior researcher with CSU’s Southwest Ag Research Station.

Industrial hemp is used to make paper, oil, biodiesel, rope, clothing, soap, and as a substitute for plastic and other products.

Legal cannabis cannabis sales in Colorado and Washington have garnered their states a combined $200 million in tax revenue since January 1st, 2014, according to the most recent data released by each state.

In Colorado, recreational and medical cannabis sales have brought in nearly $120 million in taxes and fees for the state. In Washington, legal cannabis sales have resulted in over $80 million in taxes for the state. Combined, over $200 million in taxes have been earned between the two states.

Legal recreational sales began January 1st of last year in Colorado, and began six months later in Washington.

NEW YORK – Young African American and Latino mothers with their children walk down the bustling blocks of Liberty and Fulton in the East New York section of Brooklyn. Boys' sneakers scuffle on the cement courts at the park where they play a pickup basketball game.

East New York is home to nearly 175,000 people. Less than 10 percent are Caucasian and most are younger than 45 years old. Many of them seldom leave Brooklyn. About 35 percent live below the poverty line, and only about 8 percent have earned a college degree. The 75th Precinct, which encompasses the area, has accounted for the second-highest number of marijuana possession summons in New York in 2015, similar to the years when it accounted for the most marijuana arrests.

Eddie Miller is the founder and CEO of InvestInCannabis, a New York Ci

CATAWBA COUNTY, N.C. --

Marijuana plants as large as "Christmas trees" have been seized from a North Carolina man's garden.

WGHP reported that Kelly Gene Hines, 53, of Hickory, faces various charges in connection to the incident including trafficking and manufacturing marijuana.

Officers reportedly found the plants after checking out a tip about another house in the area. Officials said more than 20 marijuana plants were found growing near the home, including one that weighed 23 pounds.

Wellness Connection of Maine has recalled two varieties of its medical marijuana from four of the state's dispensaries.

According to necn affiliate WCSH, the operator of the dispensaries is recalling a portion of "Blue Dream" and "LA Confidential" after finding high microbe levels during lab tests.

The company said the small group of patients impacted will be contacted by mail. WCM is offering to refund the purchase price ore replace the product. It said it has not received any reports of adverse effects related to the use of the product.

Pardon the horrible pun, but the marijuana industry is budding right before our eyes.

“Drugs have taught an entire generation of Americans the metric system,” humorist and political commentator P.J. O’Rourke once said.

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That rings pretty true. If you’re new to cannabis and you live in the United States, chances are you’re probably not familiar with the metric system — the measuring system used for marijuana (and most drugs).

Have no fear. Here’s a handy little explanation of common marijuana weights and measurements.

Sullivan Chainey is a veteran of the United States armed forces. And not just any veteran, but one that started at the lowest rung the Air Force had to offer him and climbed nearly all the way to the top. Though Sullivan started his career as a lowly Private he quickly mastered his new trade as a pharmacy technician and decided he needed bigger challenges. By the time he was ready to retire 20 years later Sullivan had not only earned the rank of Captain with a full commission, but he was also a United States Air Force pilot and a veteran of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Sullivan Chainey is the kind of veteran that people back home hold parades for when they return from war.

• WeedHire International has been selected as a Platinum Sponsor of the New York Distance Learning Association.

• The organization works to place qualified individuals in the legal cannabis industry.

Students taking online courses in the New York City area may soon gain access to resources intended to help them find jobs in the legal marijuana industry.