New law allows naturopaths to recommend medical cannabis
OLYMPIA, WASH. APRIL 1, 2010 — A bill to expand Washington State's medical cannabis law was signed into law by Governor Chris Gregoire today. SB 5798 allows naturopathic doctors, nurse practitioners, and advanced physicians' assistants to recommend the medical use of cannabis to their patients.
The new law will increase patient access to health care professionals willing to authorize medical cannabis. Because of the conflict between state and federal pot laws, many doctors fear retribution from the federal government and are reluctant to sign medical cannabis paperwork. The resulting scarcity of doctors willing to recommend cannabis has created a cottage industry of clinics that charge qualifying patients $200 to see a "cannabis-friendly" doctor.
SB 5798 was supported by the Cannabis Defense Coalition, a Seattle-based activist group that tracks medical cannabis prosecutions in the state. "Cannabis is an effective, safe and natural medicine," said group spokesman Phil Mocek. "Patients with symptoms relieved by medical cannabis deserve the protection of our law, whether they see a regular doctor or a naturopathic physician. This bill will help increase safe access to this therapeutic, plant-based medicine."
Also included in the bill is a provision that requires medical cannabis authorizations written after June to be printed on "tamper-resistant" paper that will also be required for all prescription forms in the state.
