Pubdate: Tue, 28 Aug 2001
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2001 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

PROTESTERS RALLY ROUND POT DOCTOR

PORTLAND, Ore. -- About 50 medical marijuana users rallied Monday in 
support of an elderly doctor who has signed 40% of approved applications 
for medical marijuana and is under investigation by health officials.

The American Civil Liberties Union joined protesters Monday in questioning 
the legality of tighter state guidelines for patients who want to use the 
drug for certain illnesses, including glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and AIDS.

The new rules were inspired by Dr. Phillip Leveque, a 77-year-old osteopath 
who has signed more applications for medical marijuana than any other 
doctor under Oregon's 2-year-old medical marijuana law. About 935 medical 
marijuana applications approved by the state have been signed by 
Leveque--in some cases, after he reviewed faxed medical records and talked 
to patients by phone.

"Because he's devoted the rest of his life to help people who need medical 
marijuana, he's being targeted. They're holding up 800 applications because 
Leveque has put himself out there basically as a patriot," said Pamela 
Snowhite-Day, a protester who smokes marijuana to calm her multiple 
sclerosis and degenerative spine disease.
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MAP posted-by: Beth