Highland Park Doctor Charged With Issuing Phony Medical Marijuana Certification
(CBS) -- As Illinois moves closer to allowing medical marijuana use, the state is warning people to avoid anyone who promises they can get you certified now. WBBM's Nancy Harty reports on a North Shore doctor accused of doing just that.
The state recently approved regulations for growing and selling medical marijuana, but it still hasn't posted applications for patients nor has it released forms for doctors to use.
Highland Park Doctor Charged With Issuing Phony Medical Marijuana Certification
But a state agency says a Highland Park doctor issued a bogus document to a 79-year-old man with glaucoma earlier this year. Dr. Joseph Starkman is also accused illegally setting up a cannabis clinic, which he calls "Innovate Illinois."
Coordinator for Illinois' medical marijuana pilot program Bob Morgan says while waiting for the applications in September, patients should talk to their doctors and be wary.
"I think everyone should be very vigilant and hyper aware of anybody holding themselves out as a medical marijuana clinic," said Morgan.
Dr. Starkman is due to have a hearing on the charges next month.
