Growing Pains - An examination of Colorado's booming medical marijuana industry
Colorado’s medical marijuana industry took off in 2009, adding more than 100,000 patients and hundreds of retail stores. Supporters say the business is legitimate, the fastest growing in the state and one that will create jobs and generate tax revenue for Colorado. Opponents say the industry’s rapid growth led to abuse and fraud, question the treatment method and express concerns about the effects on Colorado’s communities. New legislation was enacted to regulate the medicine and business aspects of medical marijuana, a model that is setting the standard for other states across the country. The Steamboat Pilot & Today explores the industry, from the first seeds through its cultivation, in a three-part series ending Friday.
Part 1: Seeds of controversy Part 2: Green Rush Part 3: Blazing the trail
Copyright 2010 Steamboat Pilot & Today | Contributors: Contributors: Reporting: Jack Weinstein Photography: Matt Stensland, John F. Russell Design and graphics: Nicole Miller
Medical marijuana industry ignites Many Steamboat employers say there is no need for marijuana-specific policies Part 1 Photo Galleries Entrepreneuers cash in on medical marrijuana Colorado Medical Marijuana canters capitalize on variety Part2 Photo Gallery Spotlight lands on Colorado, the medical marijuana leader Colorado municipalities chose their own medical marijuana Part 3 Photo Gallery