Springs Dispensary Closing Up Shop

Indispensary in downtown Colorado Springs closed its doors for the final time on Sunday.

“Every emotion you can think about,” said owner Judith Negley.

Negley was among 23 dispensary owners in Colorado who were sent letters by the U.S. Attorney’s office in January for being too close to a school.

The letter was a formal notification that action would be taken to seize and forfeit their property if they do not discontinue the sale and/or distribution of marijuana within 45 days.

The stores located in various cities across the state are all within 1,000 feet of a school.

Negley said her business is 910 feet from Palmer High School.

In a press release, U.S. Attorney John Walsh said, “When the voters of Colorado passed the limited medical marijuana amendment in 2000, they could not have anticipated that their vote would be used to justify large marijuana stores located within blocks of our schools.”

Negley hoped to sell all of her medicine by closing time. She plans to transfer her employees to her other two locations.

She is frustrated with the federal government overpowering state and local authorities. Negley said she is in compliance with city laws and doesn’t think a 1,000 feet buffer zone will change anything.

“Us not being open tomorrow will have zero effect on drug use at Palmer High school,” she said.