Clifton Black is a veteran attorney and life-long Colorado Springs resident. Cliff attended public school in Colorado Springs as well as Pikes Peak Community College and the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.
Cliff began his career as a sole practitioner in 2000, when he discovered a passion in practicing criminal defense while representing a family friend in a DUI matter. For much of his career he practiced as a criminal defense attorney and assisted thousands of clients in this area of law. Cliff has always advocated for his clients and has their best interest when fighting for them.
With the legalization of medical marijuana, Cliff began practicing in this area representing the marijuana industry in 2009. At that time attorneys in the community were not familiar with the legalities of medical marijuana. While most attorneys were unwilling to educate themselves on the legalities, Cliff was willing to review the Constitution regarding medical marijuana and the other legalities involved.
Cliff is now a well-known legal expert and advocate for the regulated marijuana industry and is well known in the state of Colorado as such. Cliff has participated in the City Council of Colorado Springs and was an active member of the initial Marijuana Task Force that was created by the City Council to draft proposed ordinances along with other experts in the industry. Although those proposed ordinances were not ultimately adopted, he worked with the City Attorney’s Office, City Clerk, City Planning and other officials to create ordinances that where adopted by the City Council. Cliff has been a panel member on numerous panels related to marijuana.
Today many regulated marijuana establishments, caretakers and business owners that provide secondary services/products turn to Cliff for legal guidance on local, state and federal laws that govern the marijuana industry.
The laws continuously evolve and Cliff stays well versed in the complex area and has a thorough understanding. He does this by actively working vigorous and diligently on every matter that he takes on and remains appraised of the law.
Cliff continues to work with the City of Colorado Springs on its ordinances through the Colorado Springs Marijuana Working Group, a group established by the City Council to provide additional guidance to the City on its ordinances for the licensed marijuana industry.
Many attorneys throughout the state contact Cliff for his opinion and seek answers. As a veteran attorney for the marijuana industry, it’s not uncommon for a news media to contact Cliff for his opinion on marijuana issues.