government
Colorado aims to deter medical marijuana abuse
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Feb. 15, 2010
Colorado legislation aimed at tightening controls on medical marijuana access passed the Senate on Feb. 1.
Colorado is one of 14 states that permit patients with debilitating conditions to use the drug for medical purposes with a physician's recommendation. But the latest measure emerged over concerns the law made it too easy for recreational users to obtain marijuana fraudulently.
The bill would strengthen standards for the state's marijuana user registry and require physicians to document and certify to the state the medical conditions of patients prescribed marijuana. Doctors must have a valid relationship with patients and would be prohibited from receiving kickbacks for helping them obtain registry cards.
The Colorado Medical Society supported the bill. Some patient advocates said the measure unfairly restricts legitimate patients' access to the drug.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/02/15/gvbf0215.htm.
