Government

Calif. high court leaves medical marijuana statute intact

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Nov. 10, 2008

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The California Supreme Court let stand a state law allowing seriously ill patients access to medical marijuana with a physician's recommendation.

The high court on Oct. 16 declined to review an appeals court ruling upholding the 1996 law, which shields qualified patients who use cannabis from criminal prosecution. San Bernardino and San Diego County officials challenged the statute, saying it conflicted with federal law outlawing the drug. But appeals court judges in a July opinion said federal regulation was intended to combat recreational use.

The counties are considering an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

California is one of 12 states that have legalized medical marijuana use, according to the Marijuana Policy Project, which supports such measures.

The California Medical Assn. does not have a position on the state law.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/11/10/gvbf1110.htm.

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