Mass. Doctors Say DEA Pressuring Them To Resign From Medical Marijuana Companies
BOSTON (CBS) – Several Massachusetts doctors associated with prospective medical marijuana dispensaries are reportedly facing intense pressure from the federal government to cut ties with those companies.
Citing sources, the State House News Service reports at least two physicians have already resigned from their positions with medical marijuana organizations after federal agents with the D.E.A., which controls the licensing of doctors to prescribe controlled medications, threatened to revoke their licenses to prescribe certain medications.
According to the report, doctors say the agents have come to their offices, and in some cases have visited their homes for discussions.
Attorney Valerio Romano, who represents some of the prospective dispensaries, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey that the D.E.A. agents' alleged actions are unprecedented.
"I've never heard of this particular issue in any other state. The conflict is there, but ultimately states are able to pass this law and maintain it as they will," he said.
The state is among several that has legalized marijuana for medical reasons. But federal law still prohibits the use of marijuana for any reason.
Romano says there's really only one way to put an end to the tension between federal authorities and states that have legalized the drug.
"It takes an act of Congress," he said. "And last week, Congress started. The house voted to defund drug enforcement agencies from conducting raids on the medical marijuana program."
The D.E.A. has not responded for a request for comment.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports
Mass. Doctors Say DEA Pressuring Them To Resign From Medical Marijuana Companies
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