FEDS TOLD TO RETURN MEDICAL MARIJUANA

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS - Despite federal law barring the medical use of
marijuana, a county judge ordered authorities to return 2 ounces of the
drug to a man who says he needs it to help ease the symptoms of cancer.

"This may be a precedent-setting case a whole lot further down the road,"
Routt County Judge James Garrecht said Monday after issuing his decision.

Deputy District Attorney Marc Guerette declined to comment on the ruling
and said he wasn't sure whether he would pursue an appeal.

Under a 2000 Colorado law, people suffering from debilitating medical
conditions such as cancer, AIDS and chronic, severe pain are allowed to
grow and smoke marijuana. Colorado is one of eight states that allow
medicinal marijuana use, which conflicts with federal law.

Several ounces of marijuana, three marijuana plants and growing equipment
were seized in October during a search of 57-year-old Don Nord's home by
members of a federal drug task force. Nord is listed with the state's
Medical Marijuana Registry program.