MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVOCATES RALLY IN DENVER

DENVER - Medical marijuana advocates are protesting proposals they
say could restrict the access of patients to the drug.

About 200 people rallied across the street from the Capitol on
Thursday as Gov. Bill Ritter delivered his annual State of the State
speech inside.

Soon after Ritter called for addressing the proliferation of
marijuana dispensaries, faint cheers from the crowd outside could be
heard inside the House chamber.

Lawmakers are considering legislation to prevent dispensaries from
paying doctors who determine who can become legal marijuana users.

Another bill could limit the number of people a medical marijuana
caregiver can supply. Lawmakers acknowledge a limit may not be in the
bill they finally introduce if they can reach a compromise.