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• Stoned driving epidemic puts wrinkle in pot debate

  March 18, 2012 12:41 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Angeline Chilton says she can't drive unless she smokes pot. The suburban Denver woman uses medical marijuana to ease multiple sclerosis symptoms and says she'd never get behind the wheel right after smoking. But her case underscores a problem that no one's sure how to solve: How... more »

• AZ pushing forward with medical marijuana

  January 24, 2012 8:04 PM

  PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's top health official says the state is not appealing a court ruling on medical marijuana and that licensed dispensaries could be established as soon as this summer. Health Services Director Will Humble says the state is going to revise its dispensary rules to delete provisions struck... more »

• Some medical marijuana businesses told to pack up

  January 17, 2012 12:50 AM

  Late last week around 23 medical marijuana businesses all over the state received a letter from U.S. Attorney John Walsh. In it he says the businesses are located within 1000 feet of a school and have until February 27th to get out. Judith Negley is one of those business... more »

• Feds announce more medical marijuana arrests

  January 13, 2012 5:14 PM

  HELENA, Mont. (AP) - The U.S. Attorney's Office says four more people face charges in their ongoing crackdown against the medical marijuana industry in Montana. Federal agents continue to file more charges against medical marijuana providers following raids last spring that rattled the industry. The arrests, coupled with more stringent... more »

• Feds begin California-style crackdown on medical marijuana businesses near schools

  January 12, 2012 5:02 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Federal officials on Thursday began a California-style crackdown on medical marijuana businesses in Colorado that targets those located near schools. U.S. Attorney John Walsh said 23 dispensaries within 1,000 feet of schools have until Feb. 27 to shut down or face federal penalties, which can include asset... more »

• Medical marijuana industry bringing in sales tax dollars

  January 12, 2012 12:35 AM

  After just less than three years of business in the City of Colorado Springs, the medical marijuana industry says they're doing pretty well. "We're seeing good, steady growth." says shop owner Scott Saunders. He and his partner own two medical marijuana dispensaries in town, including MC Caregivers near Academy and... more »

• Medical marijuana industry growing

  January 11, 2012 10:42 PM

  We're speaking with the city and local Colorado Springs medical marijuana businesses tonight. From 2010 to 2011 the industry posted a growth in sales taxes collected of 45%. We'll have that story tonight on News 5 at 10. more »

• 19 year old arrested in MMJ shop robbery

  November 16, 2011 2:01 PM

  A 19 year old has been arrested in the robbery at a medical marijuana shop Monday. Cody James is accused of robbing the Indispensary at 3044 W. Colorado Avenue and assaulting the clerk behind the counter. Detectives from the Robbery Unit found him today at a west side motel... more »

• Medical marijuana license fees could be cut in half

  November 16, 2011 7:36 AM

  DENVER (AP) - The price of a medical marijuana license in Colorado could be lowered more than half. The state Board of Health planned Wednesday to consider lowering the fee from $90 a year to $35 a year. Already the $90 fee is lower than when Colorado first authorized... more »

• Montel Williams: Israel leads in medical marijuana

  October 30, 2011 11:35 AM

  JERUSALEM (AP) - Emmy Award-winning television personality Montel Williams says Israel is at the forefront of providing patient access to medical marijuana. Williams was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1999. He has since been an outspoken advocate of medical marijuana to relieve pain caused by disease. The former host of... more »

• Medical marijuana dispensaries face ongoing battle with federal laws Play Video

  September 29, 2011 8:38 PM

  There's an ongoing battle over medical marijuana when it comes to Colorado state law versus federal law. Tension with banks is one of the newest and biggest issues. The last bank working with state marijuana shops, Colorado Springs State Bank, is dropping them, "It's illegal federally, so the FDIC... more »

• Views differ on medicated driving Play Video

  September 28, 2011 6:45 PM

  Medical marijuana supporters in Colorado believe that some patients can safely drive even if they have recently medicated. But state troopers think those supporters may be giving out dangerous advice. The Colorado Department of Transportation rolled out a public service announcement campaign last month warning drivers specifically not to... more »

• Limiting medical marijuana advertising

  September 21, 2011 11:58 AM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - The Boulder City Council wants to limit advertising for medical marijuana dispensaries to people who have a medical need. The ordinance passed Tuesday is designed to bar advertising to youths or recreational users. The Boulder Daily Camera says council members are concerned about the tone of... more »

• Boulder council limits marijuana advertising

  September 21, 2011 11:42 AM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - The Boulder City Council wants to limit advertising for medical marijuana dispensaries to people who have a medical need. The ordinance passed Tuesday is designed to bar advertising to youths or recreational users. The Boulder Daily Camera says council members are concerned about the tone of... more »

• Legal help for Boulder medical pot workers

  September 2, 2011 7:13 AM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - Boulder officials will consider a resolution stating the city will provide a legal defense to employees who regulate medical marijuana businesses if they face federal prosecution. The Boulder City Council plans to discuss the resolution Tuesday. The Boulder Daily Camera reports that memos this year... more »

• Local bank pulls business ties with MMJ shops

  August 24, 2011 11:00 PM

  Medical marijuana shops in Colorado Springs are looking for answers after a local bank canceled business with the industry. The Colorado Springs State Bank was the bank nearly all mmj shops had been doing business with since they all opened. In addition, store owners tell us that the bank... more »

• DUI crackdown focuses on marijuana and prescription drugs Play Video

  August 24, 2011 6:52 PM

  As part of the current Heat is On impaired driving campaign, officers in our state are targeting drivers who use medical marijuana and prescription drugs before driving. Posters such as the one pictured are being put up at gas pumps across the state warning drivers not to medicate and... more »

• Last public marijuana bank closing accounts

  August 24, 2011 11:31 AM

  BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - The last bank in Colorado that was publicly doing business with the medical marijuana industry is closing all of those accounts because of concerns over regulations and legal issues. Bank vice president John Whitten says those issues need to be resolved before banks can resume... more »

• Marijuana patient charged Play Video

  August 3, 2011 8:29 PM

  A Colorado Springs man faces up to 12 years in prison for allegedly having too many pot plants in his house. Court documents say the police never found Bob Crouse's medical marijuana records and they believe he intended to sell the pot. But Crouse says he used the marijuana to... more »

• County scrambles to issue licenses for MMJ centers

  August 2, 2011 7:22 PM

  Pueblo county is scrambling to process applications for medical marijuana centers. Right now, dispensaries are technically operating illegally under the county's own laws. In 2010, Pueblo County approved seventeen pre-applications, but they just set regulations in June. Those dispensaries have the state's approval, but they're still waiting for the... more »

• Council passes 1 of 14 medical marijuana fees Play Video

  June 28, 2011 11:32 PM

  After much discussion and even more questions, the Colorado Springs City Council has only decided to move on 1 of the 14 proposed fees for medical marijuana businesses. Councilman Tim Leigh and most everyone else on council tell us the proposed fees seem like they could be too high, as... more »

• Council approves $2,200 mmj application fee

  June 28, 2011 8:18 PM

  The Colorado Springs City Council has approved a motion to charge applicants $2,200 for a medical marijuana business application. The fee will include a city background check in addition to the background check already done by the stare. Originally council was expected to vote on a large fee structure... more »

• City Council mulling medical marijuana fees

  June 28, 2011 7:14 PM

  The Colorado Springs City Council is currently hearing public comment on proposed fees for medical marijuana shops and their owners. Councilman Tim Leigh has proposed that council only vote to approve an application fee and then sort out the rest on a later date. We'll have a live update tonight... more »

• Springs city council to vote on mmj fees tomorrow

  June 27, 2011 7:11 PM

  As medical marijuana dispensaries get ready for new state regulations to take effect July 1st, shop owners in Colorado Springs are concerned over a newly proposed set of city fees. Reza Hassani runs the American Wellness Center, a medical marijuana shop on the city's west side. He says for a... more »

• List of proposed mmj fees

  June 27, 2011 6:51 PM

  Here's a list of the proposed fees for medical marijuana shops that the Colorado Springs City Council will vote. MMJ shop owners say it's unfair and much higher than any other business. They also point out that the city would require background checks when the state already does them. What... more »

• Springs city council to vote on mmj fees tomorrow

  June 27, 2011 3:02 PM

  Colorado Springs' city council will vote tomorrow on a controversial fee schedule for medical marijuana dispensaries. We're talking with a local shop owner and new council member Angela Dougan to get their thoughts on the proposed fees. more »

• Medical marijuana regulations take effect this week

  June 26, 2011 6:57 PM

  New state regulations involving the medical marijuana industry will take effect his week on July 1st. They range from new security measures all the way to a seed to sales tracking system. We're speaking with a local shop owner about how the regulations have affected his business on News First... more »

• State to be sued over medical pot laws

  May 29, 2011 12:24 AM

  DENVER (AP) - A prominent marijuana attorney in Colorado has given notice he'll be suing over new medical pot regulations, including requirements that dispensaries grow most of the marijuana they sell. Robert Corry of Denver sent a letter to state Attorney General John Suthers Friday say he intends to sue.... more »

• Marijuana businesses subject of tax proposal

  May 25, 2011 3:46 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Marijuana businesses looking for help navigating the federal tax code are watching a congressional proposal sponsored by Colorado Rep. Jared Polis. Polis and other House members introduced legislation Wednesday about medical marijuana. One of the bills would allow marijuana-related businesses to claim business deductions on their... more »

• Marketing marijuana: stores seek to stand out

  May 22, 2011 3:54 PM

  The boom of the medical marijuana industry in Colorado has many start up business owners looking for ways to stand out when it comes to attracting new clients. The Tree of Life dispensary in Colorado Springs recently hired sign twirlers advertising for their business. Paul Abrams says the dispensary... more »

• Marijuana next in online coupon trend

  May 21, 2011 2:12 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Medical marijuana sellers are joining the online coupon trend, trying to lure new patients with deep discounts on pot, hash, smoking accessories and edible cannabis-infused foods. Online couponing for marijuana comes as popular mainstream coupon sites turn away dispensaries and other marijuana businesses. In established medical-pot... more »

• Would-be pot shops face stringent rules in Arizona

  May 21, 2011 1:36 PM

  PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona's rules for medical marijuana dispensaries - approved by voters in November with a bare 51 percent of the vote - are among the most stringent in the country. Among other rules for the licenses: The pot shops must employ a licensed physician as a medical... more »

• MMJ bill still alive despite pressure from the Fed Play Video

  May 9, 2011 4:11 PM

  Despite a letter from Denver's U.S. Attorney last week, Colorado legislators are still considering marijuana legislation. House Bill 1043 is in the Senate after passing the House. H.B. 1043 says it's intended to clarify the "Colorado Medical Marijuana Code"; adjusting several regulations for the industry including new licensing requirements for... more »

• MMJ bill still alive despite pressure from the Fed

  May 9, 2011 12:58 PM

  Despite a letter from Denver's U.S. Attorney last week, Colorado legislators are still considering marijuana legislation. House Bill 1043 is in the Senate after passing the House. H.B. 1043 adjusts several regulations for the industry including care giver registry requirements. It's seen as a follow-up to H.B. 10-1284 that was... more »

• Legislature entering the final stretch

  May 9, 2011 12:27 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado's first divided Legislature in a decade is limping toward the finish line with plenty of topics to settle before the final gavels fall Wednesday. The biggest obstacle facing the Democratic Senate and Republican House is congressional redistricting, a process required every 10 years to adjust... more »

• Garfield County may extend pot business moratorium

  May 8, 2011 6:15 PM

  GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Garfield County commissioners are moving toward extending a moratorium on medical marijuana businesses until May 2012 following a letter from U.S. Attorney John Walsh to Colorado officials. The letter last month affirmed federal prosecutors' willingness to investigate those who grow or sell medical marijuana,... more »

• Pressure from Fed has one county continuing to say "no" to marijuana businesses

  May 7, 2011 4:05 PM

  GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Garfield County commissioners are moving toward extending a moratorium on medical marijuana businesses until May 2012 following a letter from U.S. Attorney John Walsh to Colorado officials. The letter last month affirmed federal prosecutors' willingness to investigate those who grow or sell medical marijuana,... more »

• FT. Collins medical marijuana company ordered to cease and desist

  May 4, 2011 10:19 PM

  DENVER (AP) - A Fort Collins medical marijuana company that state officials say sought investors on Craigslist has been ordered to stop selling or offering securities in Colorado. Colorado Securities Commissioner Fred Joseph said Wednesday that Colorado Wellness Providers LLC and its owner and manager, Charles Perry, were trying... more »

• Committee approves new MMJ rules

  May 2, 2011 9:01 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado lawmakers are reducing the permitted size of medical marijuana growing operations following a federal warning that it's still a violation of federal law to grow and possess marijuana. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill Monday that changes rules for how the drug can be... more »

• Colorado pot bill seeks caregiver database

  April 16, 2011 12:48 PM

  DENVER (AP) - A marijuana law passed in Colorado last year puts patients under video surveillance and gives dispensaries a raft of new rules aimed at tracking pot as soon as it's planted. Now state lawmakers are talking about shining a light on thousands of small-time caregivers who police... more »

• Report shows big impact for medical marijuana in 2011 Play Video

  March 25, 2011 11:45 PM

  A new report from See Change Strategy says medical marijuana will be a 1.7 billion dollar industry in 2011 across the country. "I think that's rather a low estimate," says KC Stark, an industry advocate from Colorado Springs. That's because Stark has seen how fast it's has picked up... more »

• Colorado medical pot users mostly men, figures show

  March 13, 2011 2:52 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado Health Department figures show that men make up the vast majority of registered medical marijuana users in the state. The Denver Post reported Sunday that men consistently made up more than 70 percent of the patients listed on the state's medical marijuana registry list between... more »

• Pot docs face new rules in Colorado

  March 12, 2011 12:14 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado's dispute over which doctors can recommend medical marijuana could become more confusing this week when state health authorities consider tighter limits at the same time lawmakers debate conflicting rules. One question is whether doctors with conditions on their medical licenses - such as a surgeon... more »

• More issues to sort for medical marijuana in legislature Play Video

  February 12, 2011 12:46 AM

  House Bill 1043 has gotten a lot of the attention in the medical marijuana community of this year's bills working their way through the legislature. It's got several proposed changes to the Colorado Medicinal Marijuana Code; such as extending the state moratorium for new businesses in the industry, rules on... more »

• Marijuana rules back before Colorado lawmakers

  February 10, 2011 8:06 AM

  DENVER (AP)-Medical marijuana rules set by Colorado lawmakers last year haven't entirely taken effect yet-but already lawmakers are back at work making changes. A state House committee planned to start work Thursday on a revision to the marijuana rules that govern how pot is grown and sold. That bill... more »

• Colorado's marijuana rules up for public hearing

  January 27, 2011 8:05 AM

  GOLDEN, Colo. (AP)-Rules on how medical marijuana is grown and sold are up for two days of public debate in Colorado. The Colorado Department of Revenue opens a two-day hearing Thursday to consider 99 pages of rules about how medical marijuana is grown and commercially sold. The proposed rules... more »

• Are medical marijuana laws in Colorado tough enough

  January 16, 2011 1:42 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Medical marijuana laws in Colorado are more extensive than in any other state - and state lawmakers aren't done yet. Among the measures before the Legislature is one that would change the rules for commercial pot sales. Colorado officials will also consider new standards for safe driving... more »

• Nevada's Wild West spirit snubs legal marijuana

  December 30, 2010 12:07 PM

  LAS VEGAS (AP) - Nevada is known for letting just about anything slide, whether it's booze, bets or brothels. But even here there are limits. It has been OK to smoke pot to treat illness for ten years. But don't think about selling it, even to patients. Lately, federal... more »

• Tough, new marijuana rules posted in Colorado

  December 16, 2010 7:34 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Marijuana sellers in Colorado are expected to have to wear photo badges, and patients will have new limits on changing their primary dispensaries. The changes are among Colorado's 99-page list of draft rules posted this week by Colorado regulators crafting the nation's most extensive rules for... more »

• Springs council approves MMJ regulations Play Video

  December 15, 2010 12:57 AM

  A marathon session for Colorado Springs City Council Tuesday night resulted in a win of sorts for those in the medical marijuana industry. Council voted unanimously to approve zoning requirements surrounding medical marijuana centers. Notably, the new requirements did not include some stricter measures that opponents said would put... more »

• Police looking for armed robbers Play Video

  December 12, 2010 7:34 PM

  Colorado Springs Police are searching for two men accused of a violent robbery at a medical marijuana dispensary. Store owners caught the crime on tape, and gave a copy to News First Five. Watching the video, it's a sight Ryan Orness never wanted to see -- his medical... more »

• Robbery suspects sought Play Video

  December 12, 2010 8:24 AM

  Colorado Springs police are looking for two men who robbed a medical marijuana center Saturday night. The men held the clerk at the SSI Care Center at gunpoint and demanded money and marijuana before leaving through the building's back door. The suspects are described as both being black men,... more »

• Panel hashing out medical marijuana rules Play Video

  December 7, 2010 10:10 PM

  From chips and salsa to brownies and cookies, every product from Discreet Treats has a warning label. "We decided to let people know they shouldn't be operating machinery. They shouldn't be driving a car when you do it," explains William Prince, co-owner of Discreet Treats. Soon, those labels... more »

• New committee formed to insure medical marijuana production safety

  November 26, 2010 3:43 PM

  DENVER (AP) - Colorado has set up a committee under a new state law to come up with regulations for medical marijuana production. Colorado hopes to have in place by early next year some sort of labeling and inspection standard for marijuana sold commercially. Committee members say pot consumers deserve... more »

• Proposed mmj center ban fails in El Paso County Play Video

  November 17, 2010 11:04 PM

  The past two weeks have been a rough go for medical marijuana center owner Jeff Sveinsson. "It's been very stressful not knowing." he says. With a proposed mmj shop ban voted down in El Paso County, he's happy to see that his business will be allowed to stay up and... more »

• El Paso Co. election results final; no recounts necessary

  November 17, 2010 8:39 PM

  More than two weeks after the polls closed on November 2, the 2010 midterm General Election in El Paso County is finally official and there will be no recounts of races that were too close to call. According to the El Paso County Elections web site maintained by the... more »

• Burglars get stuck inside medical marijuana shop Play Video

  November 14, 2010 11:00 PM

  Three Fort Carson soldiers were arrested early Saturday morning after a failed burglary attempt at a south eastern Colorado Springs medical marijuana facility. "They busted the doorknob off with a hammer and then they jimmied the door open." explains Rocky Road Remedies shop owner Renze Waddington, "But the locking mechanism... more »

• Three Fort Carson soldiers are accused of MMJ dispensary break in

  November 13, 2010 2:49 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Three Fort Carson soldiers are accused of breaking into a medical marijuana dispensary in Colorado Springs. The soldiers were arrested at Rocky Road Remedies early Saturday. Police say they were arrested as they tried to leave through the dispensary's front door. The Gazette reports... more »

• El Paso County dispensary ban question may be headed for recount

  November 5, 2010 12:59 AM

  El Paso County's ballot question asking voters to decide whether to ban medical marijuana dispensaries may be headed for an automatic recount, but it may be more than two weeks before the necessity of a recount is determined. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, unofficial results show "No" votes... more »

• Medical Marijuana Tax Revenues May Restore Some City Services

  October 24, 2010 6:02 PM

  COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - Colorado Springs officials say sales tax revenue from medical marijuana could help pay for a new police unit to monitor the business. The Gazette of Colorado Springs reported Sunday that medical marijuana sales taxes are bringing in about $50,000 a month for the city. That... more »

• Colorado taxpayers may subsidize pot cards for poor

  October 20, 2010 11:29 AM

  Medical marijuana cards in Colorado cost $90 - but state health officials are hearing testimony Wednesday on lowering that rate for the poor. The Colorado Board of Health is planning to drop the fee for marijuana cards for patients in poverty. The new indigent rates come after complaints that... more »

• Medical marijuana tax issue on Pueblo ballot Play Video

  October 18, 2010 7:45 PM

  Voters in Pueblo will decide if medical marijuana users should pay an extra 4.3% in sales tax. The city says the tax could be used to help pay for increased law enforcement near dispensaries, but some argue it isn't needed. News First 5 is taking a closer look at ballot... more »

• Colorado Springs hits new high in pot tax revenue

  October 8, 2010 8:21 AM

  The city of Colorado Springs is reporting a record monthly high of nearly $57,000 in sales tax revenue from medical marijuana. The Gazette reports that sales of marijuana and marijuana-infused products generated $56,991 in tax revenue in August, a nearly 12 percent jump from July. So far this... more »

• Newspaper industry reaps benefits from MMJ advertisers Play Video

  October 7, 2010 8:14 PM

  John Weiss is careful to emphasize that The Independent, the free weekly newspaper he founded nearly 20 years ago, is strong and sustainable even without the massive influx of advertising revenue from the medical marijuana industry in the past year, but its impact cannot be denied. "We have three... more »

• Newspaper industry reaps benefits from MMJ advertisers

  October 7, 2010 8:10 PM

  John Weiss is careful to emphasize that The Independent, the free weekly newspaper he founded nearly 20 years ago, is strong and sustainable even without the massive influx of advertising revenue from the medical marijuana industry in the past year, but its impact cannot be denied. "We have three... more »

• Election forum in Colorado Springs today

  October 6, 2010 4:17 PM

  If you're still trying to decide how to vote on Questions 60, 61 and 101; who should be your next county commissioner; and should El Paso County ban medical marijuana centers--NewsFirst5 will host an election forum Wednesday, Oct. 6, 5-7 pm at the Stargazers Theater in Colorado Springs. The... more »

• Medical marijuana backers sue to block Issue 1A

  October 5, 2010 7:40 PM

  A group of more than a dozen medical marijuana dispensary owners, growers, and businesses and services affected by the medical marijuana industry have filed a lawsuit against the El Paso County Board of Commissioners over ballot question 1A which, if passed, would ban medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas of... more »

• Grand Junction votes to close marijuana centers

  October 5, 2010 12:45 PM

  The Grand Junction City Council passed a measure to close medical marijuana businesses in the city. The council voted 6-1 to pass the ordinance Monday night. Mayor Teresa Coons was the only member to vote against it. The ordinance requires that all dispensaries and other pot businesses shut... more »

• County Question 1A

  September 30, 2010 8:09 PM

  Supporters of the medical marijuana industry met in downtown Colorado Springs on Thursday to kick off their "No on 1A" campaign. The opposition group calls itself Citizens for Safer Communities. They hope to encourage voters to vote against County Question 1A, which will appear on November's ballot. If... more »

• Medical marijuana tracking on the way in Colorado

  September 29, 2010 3:31 PM

  Colorado wants to set up a first-in-the-nation tracking system of medical marijuana purchases to deter people from buying vast amounts of pot and selling it on the black market. Patients and marijuana advocates fear they will be harassed by a Big Brother-type intrusion as computers and video cameras monitor... more »