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Colorado Springs continues to pop off with new places to eat, drink, shop and play. 

👕 Vintage & Vinyl opened over the summer in the trendy downtown food hall CO.A.T.I. The funky thrift shop sells upcycled clothing, jewelry and vinyl records, and is open Thursday through Sunday. 

🎵 Lulu's Downtown, which relocated from Manitou Springs to the heart of the city in February, is quickly becoming a top spot for live music. The intimate space creates an inviting atmosphere, embracing up-and-coming musicians and comedians. 

🍴 Ówàḿbẹ̀, which calls itself Colorado's first Nigerian restaurant, debuted downtown last week. Its menu showcases African dishes like Jollof rice and plantains, and city leaders are celebrating its opening for enriching the city's cultural diversity.

🌮 Por Favor Tacos and Tragos, in the northwestern part of the city, is a family-owned joint that opened in July. Known for its Birria tacos, handcrafted cocktails and party vibes, this lively spot is the perfect place for a fun night out.

🌿 Evergreen is a European-style cafe nestled among Colorado College's campus that opened this summer. The nature-filled space offers a tranquil atmosphere with lush greenery and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with a focus on French pastries.

🍹 Gratitude Zero Proof Bar opened this spring in Old Colorado City as a hotspot for those who want non-alcoholic cocktails. It specializes in unique drinks featuring Kava, a root native to the Pacific Islands, which contains no alcohol but can produce similar effects. 

🫕Night Ramen is a quirky downtown ramen spot that opened last month. Fun fact: Its interior is adorned with a wall of waving plastic cats beckoning you in for a bite of the menu.

This story was written by Colorado College students Theo Cherry, Ayala Rysbek and Ashley Stewart.

New restaurants, shops and bars in Colorado Springs

The city continues to pop off with new places to eat, drink, shop and play.

The Vintage & Vinyl storefront at CO.A.TI. food hall in downtown Colorado Springs. Photo: Alayna Alvarez/Axios

Colorado Springs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continues to pop off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/12/02/colorado-springs-eat-drink-shop-play" data-vars-content-id="22561b0e-3ff9-4193-95c3-71cffad2d6d4" data-vars-headline="New restaurants, shops and bars in Colorado Springs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2022/12/02/colorado-springs-eat-drink-shop-play" target="_self">continues to pop off</a> with new places to eat, drink, shop and play. Here are seven new spots not to miss:

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The alarm about marijuana-related disorders is getting louder as more states legalize cannabis and users tap into high-potency products.

Why it matters: Disjointed marijuana policies are leading to misinformation on the health impacts, and no states, including Colorado, adequately monitor the potential dangers, according to an investigation by the New York Times.

By the numbers: 18 million people — a third of users ages 18 and up — have reported symptoms related to cannabis use disorder.  

This is especially evident among 18- to 25-year-olds. A shocking 81% of the 4.5 million daily users meet the criteria for the disorder. 

What they're saying: "Until we do research on the drastically transformed cannabis in all its forms, I think putting them under the umbrella of a safe, legal drug is wrong," Yasmin Hurd, a neuroscientist who has studied the issue, told the Times.

The big picture: Cannabis, which was legalized in Colorado in 2014, is now legal for recreational use in 24 states, creating a $33 billion industry with millions of American users, the Times found. Yet only two states — not Colorado — cap THC levels, and health experts warn that highly potent cannabis poses the greatest health risks. 

In Colorado, 51.5% of adults who use marijuana use it daily, but 15.4% understand the risks, according to a survey.

The Biden administration, meanwhile, is moving to ease federal restrictions on marijuana usage.

Zoom in: Heavy prolonged cannabis use is increasingly leading to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and severe stomach pain that can last several days, even weeks. 

In extreme cases, CHS can lead to dehydration, seizures, kidney failure and cardiac arrest, and even death. 

Heat effectively soothes the symptoms, but the long-term cure is cutting off cannabis use. 

Between the lines: CHS remains misdiagnosed and misunderstood, largely due to the lack of a specific diagnostic code for medical providers. This also makes it difficult to track cases of the condition, a barrier to building awareness.  

When he began his residency in 1990, Kennon Heard, an emergency physician at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, was taught that cannabis-related issues were rarely seen. 

The bottom line: Now, he keeps "seeing it over and over and over again" in the emergency room and says his hospital treats patients with the syndrome every day.

This story was written by Colorado College students Havalin Haskell, Ava McCormick and Bella Houck.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that 51.5% of adults who use marijuana, do so daily or near daily — not that the total population of adults use marijuana daily.

Marijuana dangers escalate 10 years after legal sales in Colorado

The alarm about marijuana-related disorders is getting louder.

Illustration of a skull and crossbones with the crossbones made from marijuana leaves. 

Colorado

The alarm about marijuana-related disorders is getting louder as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more states legalize cannabis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/20/marijuana-weed-pot-legalization-april-20-420-holiday" data-vars-content-id="beb1ff42-d8f4-43b2-a4a8-89f3f81cebf7" data-vars-headline="Marijuana dangers escalate 10 years after legal sales in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/20/marijuana-weed-pot-legalization-april-20-420-holiday" target="_self">more states legalize cannabis</a> and users tap into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high-potency products" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/26/high-potency-cannabis-linked-to-risk-of-psychosis" data-vars-content-id="beb1ff42-d8f4-43b2-a4a8-89f3f81cebf7" data-vars-headline="Marijuana dangers escalate 10 years after legal sales in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/26/high-potency-cannabis-linked-to-risk-of-psychosis" target="_self">high-potency products</a>.Why it matters: Disjointed marijuana policies are leading to misinformation on the health impacts, and no states, including Colorado, adequately monitor the potential dangers, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/04/us/cannabis-marijuana-risks-addiction.html" data-vars-content-id="beb1ff42-d8f4-43b2-a4a8-89f3f81cebf7" data-vars-headline="Marijuana dangers escalate 10 years after legal sales in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/04/us/cannabis-marijuana-risks-addiction.html" target="_blank">an investigation</a> by the New York Times.By the numbers: 18 million people — a third of users ages 18 and up — have reported symptoms related to cannabis use disorder.  <ul><li>This is especially evident among 18- to 25-year-olds. A shocking 81% of the 4.5 million daily users meet the criteria for the disorder. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Until we do research on the drastically transformed cannabis in all its forms, I think putting them under the umbrella of a safe, legal drug is wrong,&quot; Yasmin Hurd, a neuroscientist who has studied the issue, told the Times.The big picture: Cannabis, which was legalized in Colorado in 2014, is now legal for recreational use in 24 states, creating a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$33 billion industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/04/us/cannabis-marijuana-risks-addiction.html" data-vars-content-id="beb1ff42-d8f4-43b2-a4a8-89f3f81cebf7" data-vars-headline="Marijuana dangers escalate 10 years after legal sales in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/04/us/cannabis-marijuana-risks-addiction.html" target="_blank">$33 billion industry</a> with millions of American users, the Times found. Yet only two states — not Colorado — cap THC levels, and health experts warn that highly potent cannabis poses the greatest health risks. <ul><li>In Colorado, 51.5% of adults who use marijuana use it daily, but 15.4% understand the risks, according to a survey.</li><li>The Biden administration, meanwhile, is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="moving to ease federal restrictions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/30/marijuana-restrictions-regulations-dea" data-vars-content-id="beb1ff42-d8f4-43b2-a4a8-89f3f81cebf7" data-vars-headline="Marijuana dangers escalate 10 years after legal sales in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/30/marijuana-restrictions-regulations-dea" target="_self">moving to ease federal restrictions</a> on marijuana usage.</li></ul>Zoom in: Heavy prolonged cannabis use is increasingly leading to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.uchealth.org/today/what-is-chs-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-leading-cause-of-marijuana-related-er-visits/" data-vars-content-id="beb1ff42-d8f4-43b2-a4a8-89f3f81cebf7" data-vars-headline="Marijuana dangers escalate 10 years after legal sales in Colorado" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.uchealth.org/today/what-is-chs-cannabinoid-hyperemesis-syndrome-leading-cause-of-marijuana-related-er-visits/" target="_blank">cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome</a>.<ul><li>Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and severe stomach pain that can last several days, even weeks. </li><li>In extreme cases, CHS can lead to dehydration, seizures, kidney failure and cardiac arrest, and even death. </li><li>Heat effectively soothes the symptoms, but the long-term cure is cutting off cannabis use. </li></ul>Between the lines: CHS remains misdiagnosed and misunderstood, largely due to the lack of a specific diagnostic code for medical providers. This also makes it difficult to track cases of the condition, a barrier to building awareness.  <ul><li>When he began his residency in 1990, Kennon Heard, an emergency physician at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, was taught that cannabis-related issues were rarely seen. </li></ul>The bottom line: Now, he keeps &quot;seeing it over and over and over again&quot; in the emergency room and says his hospital treats patients with the syndrome every day.This story was written by Colorado College students Havalin Haskell, Ava McCormick and Bella Houck.Editor&#x27;s note: This story has been corrected to reflect that 51.5% of adults who use marijuana, do so daily or near daily — not that the total population of adults use marijuana daily.

Health

The 2024 election is reaching a crucial moment in Colorado.

Why it matters: The primary elections on June 25 will decide dozens of contests for Congress and the state Legislature in districts where one party is dominant.

State of play: Republicans are selecting nominees for four congressional races, including the high-profile 4th District where Rep. Lauren Boebert moved to run.

Democrats are closely watching a pair of legislative races in Denver where progressive lawmakers are facing challenges from establishment-backed rivals.

Voters receive a ballot for the party they are registered with.

Unaffiliated voters will receive both major party ballots and can participate in either primary, but not both.

The primary that you vote in is a public record, but not whom you supported.

Zoom in: Voters who live in Congressional District 4 will be asked to select an interim representative to fill the vacant seat until Jan. 3 in the wake of former Republican Rep. Ken Buck's early resignation.

You can use this map to find out which congressional district you're in.

What's next: In-person voting begins June 10, and 12 voting centers in Denver will open June 17. All ballots are due by 7pm June 25.

State of play: Leora Joseph, the head of the state's behavioral health agency, and John Walsh, the former U.S. attorney, are competing to replace outgoing District Attorney Beth McCann.

Debate: Denver's district attorney candidates offer competing visions

1-minute voter guide: Leora Joseph vs. John Walsh for district attorney

Who's winning the money race for Denver district attorney

Denver's district attorney race splits Democratic leaders

Spotlight: Get to know the Denver DA candidates

1-minute voter guide: GOP primary features Lauren Boebert and 5 challengers

1-minute voter guide: Democratic primary features 3 challengers

A timeline of Lauren Boebert's controversies

Electability is driving the debate in 4th District congressional races

Lauren Boebert looks to move beyond her firebrand image to win in new district

Boebert blasted as carpetbagger in first debate in new congressional district race

1-minute voter guide: Gabe Evans vs. Janak Joshi for GOP nomination

Latino voters look to sway Colorado congressional races, ballot measures

1-minute voter guide: Tim Hernández vs. Cecelia Espenoza in the Democratic primary

Meet the candidate: Get to know Tim Hernández

Meet the candidate: Get to know Cecelia Espenoza

Colorado progressive lawmaker Tim Hernández targeted by party leaders big money

Meet the candidate: Get to know Sean Camacho

Elisabeth Epps' nonprofit raises questions about transparency, conflicts

Elisabeth Epps targeted by party leaders and major interests

Epps is reprimanded by House speaker for her actions

Epps trolls party leader on opening day of legislative session

Epps is back in Colorado House after long absence

1-minute voter guide: Democratic primary for CU Regent

1-minute voter guide: State Board of Education, District 2

Inside the Colorado GOP's "purify and purge" campaign

Denver's district attorney candidates offer competing visions

Leora Joseph v. John Walsh for district attorney

Who's willing the money race for Denver district attorney

Meet Denver DA candidates Leora Joseph and John Walsh

GOP primary features Lauren Boebert and 5 challengers

Democratic primary features 3 challengers

Lauren Boebert blasted as carpetbagger in first debate in new congressional district race

Gabe Evans vs. Janak Joshi for GOP nomination

Tim Hernandez vs. Cecelia Espenoza in the Democratic primary

Colorado progressive lawmaker Tim Hernade targeted by party leaders big money

Elisabeth Epps is reprimanded by House speaker for her actions

Colorado voter guide to the June 2024 primary elections

The primary elections on June 25 will decide dozens of contests for Congress and the state Legislature.

Illustration of an African American man's hand holding an "I Voted!" button  surrounded by ballot elements.

2024 elections

The 2024 election is reaching a crucial moment in Colorado.Why it matters: The primary elections on June 25 will decide dozens of contests for Congress and the state Legislature in districts where one party is dominant.

Election

The 2024 election holds huge stakes for Colorado — and for you.

Why it matters: We want to know what issues matter most in your mind.

State of play: Axios Denver is joining the Colorado News Collaborative, a consortium of media organizations, in a listening project that will help guide our coverage of the 2024 election, from the presidential races to district attorney.

Worthy of your time: Take a few moments to complete the survey and tell us what you think candidates should be talking about as they compete for your vote.

The fine print: We will use your contact information only to reach out if a reporter wants to better understand your comments. If you chose to remain anonymous, your name will not appear in any story.

Colorado voters, tell us what matters to you in the 2024 election

Illustration of a close up of the state of Colorado, with the state outline as a checked "box". 

The 2024 election holds huge stakes for Colorado — and for you.Why it matters: We want to know what issues matter most in your mind.

Politics

Over the last few days, Axios readers have sent us their intentions for the new year.

Why it matters: Writing down and sharing our goals is an important step toward achieving them — especially if we set realistic, reasonable ones!

Here are some of your resolutions for 2024:

🥄 "New Year's resolution this year will be to feed 1,000 more people for free in Denver." — Chase D.

❤️ "In 2024, my non-profit, XFoundation, is determined to save lives in our local Colorado communities by raising awareness on the harms of fentanyl poisoning while funding healthy and creative outlets for the youth of our community in hopes of helping them find passion for their hobby and life itself."  — Madison G.

📱 "Less screen time! (mostly social media). And use the additional time in my day to read more books, work out more, and sleep more. #newyearnewme." — Elliott H.

👗 "I plan to donate, sell or give away 365 items this year. Since I don't want to add to a landfill, I will take time to repurpose things. My house will have less clutter, my children will have less to deal with in the future and others can benefit from my stuff." — Paula P.

🧹 "I plan to declutter my house a bit each day of the year — every drawer, every cabinet, every cubby, every section of each closet, every shelf — on the theory that by the end of 2024, my whole house, and therefore my spirit, will feel lighter." —Theo C.

☀️ "At 77, I want to minimize the head trash of worrying about getting older by focusing instead on all that I have and am now." — Joe G.

📖 John: Contrary to the job, I'm not a huge reader. But this year, I'm pledging to read one fun book a month, starting with "Lessons in Chemistry."

✨ Alayna: I'm making it a point to try something new every month, starting with my first cooking class in late January. I'm also repeating two resolutions I managed to keep last year: moving more and drinking less.

😌 Esteban: I don't really make resolutions, but I am hoping to be a little more present this year (as in living in the moment) and to drink less, too.

How Axios Denver readers plan to make the most of 2024

Over the last few days, readers have sent us their intentions for the new year.

Illustration of a to-do list with boxes filled with smiley faces. A hand is checking the boxes and the red checks look like noses on the smiley faces.

Over the last few days, Axios readers have sent us their intentions for the new year.Why it matters: Writing down and sharing our goals is an important step toward achieving them — especially if we set realistic, reasonable ones!