government

Medical marijuana OK'd by D.C. council

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted May 17, 2010

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The nation's capital could join at least 14 states that allow seriously ill patients to use marijuana for medical purposes with a physician recommendation, under a measure approved in May by a unanimous Council of the District of Columbia.

The measure would establish regulations for use, possession and distribution of the drug to patients with certain debilitating conditions. Doctors recommending marijuana must have a valid relationship with the patient, and the local medical board would be permitted to audit physician recommendations.

At this article's deadline, the measure still required approval from D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, and ultimately Congress, before enactment.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/05/17/gvbf0517.htm.

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