More Oregonians Using Medical Marijuana November 11, 2002
News Summary
Since voters in Oregon approved a medical-marijuana initiative in 1998, the number of residents using the drug for medical reasons has been climbing steadily, the Associated Press reported Nov. 2.According to Oregon health officials, the number of Oregonians with state approval to use medical marijuana doubled this year. Currently, there are 4,162 residents with cards allowing them to grow and use marijuana. In February, the total was less than 1,700.
Under Oregon's Medical Marijuana Act, a doctor must verify that the patient has a "debilitating medical condition." The patient pays an annual fee of $150 to register for the state's medical-marijuana program, run by the Department of Human Services.
Dr. Phillip Leveque, a semi-retired osteopath, signs about 45 percent of the marijuana applications. He recently had his license suspended for 90 days for substandard medical practice.
Since the suspension was lifted on Aug. 1, Leveque has signed applications for about 750 patients. "Every patient I see says medical marijuana works better than other drugs for them," Leveque said. "Would they lie to me about that? I don't think so."
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