DENVER — Organizers say hundreds of military veterans received free marijuana during a special giveaway this weekend.

Members of Operation Grow4Vets tell KCNC-TV that the Saturday event aimed to offer veterans an alternative to prescription drugs to help with anxiety, pain and other problems. The organization also says it gave out 400 bags of marijuana-infused products at the Denver Cannabis Giveaway.

Stephanie Burton, a veteran Army nurse, says she struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, and marijuana helps her sleep at night.

But pot critics questioned whether the event was safe.

Bob Doyle of the Colorado Smart Approaches to Marijuana Coalition says organizers were reckless to give away a drug that can also cause paranoia and may have other unforeseen side effects.