Suthers Wants Board To Investigate Medical Pot Biz

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Colorado's attorney general wants the state's medical board to investigate the surprising number of recommendations for medical marijuana some doctors are giving out.

The state registry has grown to about 9,000 medical marijuana users and has sparked a wide range of businesses who cater to such clients.

There are some facilities where patients can walk out with a medical marijuana registry card within as little as an hour.

Attorney General John Suthers believes the medical marijuana business may be getting out of hand.

"The attorney general can certainly recommend to the state licensing board that they take a look at physicians who are issuing these certifications in mass quantity and in many cases not examining the patient," Suthers said.

At a recent Colorado State Board of Health hearing there were claims that one medical marijuana clinic gave out 200 recommendations in one day.

There are now approximately 30 dispensaries providing marijuana in the state.

Some advertise their services on business cards and describe themselves as "caregivers." One offers marijuana candies and edibles, but says to "please refer to it as medicine."

Another facility sells medical marijuana with a punch card. If patients purchase nine edibles, they get the 10th free.

CannaMed is a business that offers medical marijuana registry cards in Denver. A radio advertisement for CannaMed says "call CannaMed today and see how easy it can be to obtain your medical marijuana card."

Charlie Crosse, a lawyer who represents CannaMed, told CBS4 the firm operates legally in Colorado with many satisfied customers.

On Monday a group called the Cannabis Therapy Institute sent a letter to district attorneys and city councils throughout the state calling for discussions to clarify the role of medical marijuana caregivers.


NewsHawk: User: http://www.420magazine.com/
Source: cbs4denver.com
Author: Rick Sallinger
Copyright: 2009 CBS Television Stations Inc.
Contact: Contact CBS4 - cbs4denver.com
Website: Suthers Wants Board To Investigate Medical Pot Biz - cbs4denver.com