Pubdate: Wed, 06 Mar 2002 Source: Statesman Journal (OR) Copyright: 2002 Statesman Journal Contact: http://www.http://www.statesmanjournal.com// Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/427 Author: Associated Press Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n393/a02.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) FATE OF MARIJUANA DOCTOR UNCLEAR Phillip Leveque Faces Disciplinary Action By A State License Board MEDFORD - For Dr. Phillip Leveque, this could be a farewell tour. About 20 sick people and medical-marijuana proponents converged Monday on the South Comfort Inn in Medford to visit Leveque, the Molalla osteopath who has made headlines for writing half of Oregon's medical marijuana applications. Leveque started seeing patients on the road soon after Oregon's voter- approved medical marijuana initiative became law in May 1999. He began visiting patients in Medford and other rural small towns when he realized that many people who qualified for medical marijuana couldn't find a local physician to sign their application. The Board of Medical Examiners has filed a formal complaint against the doctor, who has signed about 1,800 applications during the past two years. The board, which regulates medical practice and investigates complaints against doctors, said Leveque signed applications without seeing patients, conducting medical tests, maintaining adequate medical charts or conferring with other medical care providers. The board could fine Leveque, reprimand him or revoke or suspend his license, or could impose a combination of those penalties. Leveque said Monday he has signed at least 100 applications for Jackson County residents. One of his patients, a 29-year-old Medford man who has had diabetes since age 10, said medical marijuana has reduced his dependence on prescription drugs. "Marijuana took me off six different pills," said the man, who asked that his name not be used. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel