Judge Clears Marijuana Doctor
CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado doctor accused of writing a shoddy medical-marijuana recommendation has been cleared by a suburban Denver judge who said the physician didn't violate the law when he recommended pot to an undercover police officer who complained of back pain.
Dr. Toribio Robert Mestas was cleared of charges including forgery and marijuana distribution. Arapahoe County District Judge Kurt Horton ordered the case thrown out last week after finding that Mestas complied with constitutional requirements about recommending medical marijuana.
Mestas was charged after recommending marijuana to an undercover officer who complained of back pain and trouble sleeping but didn't tell the doctor he had "severe pain," a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. Mestas testified in court that such a diagnosis was implied.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
