Health Department Holds Hearing On Pot Rules

DENVER (AP) -- Opponents of new rules that would require medical marijuana caregivers to be more involved in their patients' lives say it will drive some caregivers out of business.

Under rules being considered Wednesday by the Colorado Board of Health, caregivers would have to help patients with day-to-day activities such as cooking, shopping or driving to appointments to keep their legal protection.

Colorado Springs caretaker Michael Marcella says caregivers are worried because of threats by the federal government to crack down on the industry, including caregivers. He said the regulations also would cause upheaval in Colorado's caregiver community because most disabled patients have other people in their lives who can help them cook or clean.

The regulations would not affect dispensaries, which serve large numbers of patients.

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