Pubdate: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 Source: New Times (CA) Contact: http://newtimes-slo.com/ FEDS RULE DOCTORS MAY RECOMMEND POT In a decision that could have immediate implications for physicians and patients in California, a federal judge ruled on Sept. 7 that doctors have a constitutional right to recommend pot to their patients, and cannot be disciplined by the government for doing so. The order, by U.S. District Court Judge William Alsup, also prohibits the government from initiating investigations of physicians who have made such recommendations. Alsup wrote that the order applies even if the doctor anticipates that a patient would use that recommendation to obtain marijuana in violation of federal law. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D