Pot professorship established at University of Denver
DENVER -- A Denver-based law firm gave the University of Denver Sturm College of Law a $45,000 commitment toward a three-year professorship for marijuana law and policy, the school announced Monday.
CBS Denver reports that the role will initially be filled by Professor Sam Kamin and it is believed to be the first professorship of its kind globally. The law firm, Vicente Sederberg LLC, and the school hope that the professorship will work to dedicate time and resources toward the development of intelligent marijuana law and policy.
"Our state and our school are poised to take a leadership position in this important new area of law and policy," said Sturm College of Law Dean Martin J. Katz in celebratory remarks. "The rest of the country is watching. We need to do this right."
Vicente Sederberg founding partner and Sturm College of Law graduate, Brian Vicente, also spoke out on his commitment to the new area of law.
"As the marijuana industry expands in Colorado and around the nation and the world, there is a growing need for attorneys qualified to represent business owners," Vicente said. "With the launch of this professorship, Sturm College of Law will be taking the lead in providing law students the training they need to enter this new field. We are proud to be able to support their efforts in this area."
Kamin, who says he will use the money to participate in policy discussions in Colorado and elsewhere, also expressed gratitude and excitement for his new role.
"This professorship will allow me to continue to share what I've learned over the last six years of studying law and policy in this area." Kamin added. "It will support research and writing on these important topics and will help ensure that Colorado, Denver, and DU remain at the center of this important national debate."