Colorado has approved another round of marijuana research. The projects range from one year to three years of study.

Dr. Sara Qualls at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs is heading one of the studies. Dr. Qualls is a professor of psychology and of aging studies, along with the director of the Gerontology Center. Dr. Qualls' study focuses on

"Older Coloradans and Marijuana: A Public Health Problem or Policy Alternative."

The state Department of Public Health and Environment awarded $2.35 million in grant funding for a total of seven research studies looking at potential public health and safety impacts of marijuana use. The grant was announced Tuesday.

“This research will be invaluable in Colorado and across the country,” said Dr. Larry Wolk, department executive director and chief medical officer. “The findings will inform our public education efforts and give people additional information they need to make decisions about marijuana use.”

The state has already funded $9 million in medical marijuana research, according to the department.

The seven approved grants are as follows:

Comparative Assessment of Driving Impairment in Occasional Versus Heavy Marijuana Users. Project duration is three years with a grant amount of $843,500.

Acute Effects of Dabbing on Marijuana Intoxication, Driving Impairment, and Cognitive Functioning. Project duration is three years with a grant of $839,500

Duration of Marijuana Concentration in Breast Milk. A two-year project duration with a grant of $186,500.

Older Coloradans and Marijuana: A Public Health Problem or Policy Alternative at UCCS. A one-year project with a grant of $97,500.

The Adverse Effects of Edible Cannabis Products. The project duration is estimated at one year with a grant of $97,500.

Analysis of Data from Before and After Implementation of Recreational Marijuana in Colorado. A project duration of two years and grant worth $186,500.

The Cardiovascular Effects of Marijuana in At-Risk Patients. A one-year project duration with a grant of $99,000.