Psychiatrist's license may be revoked

Lawyers argued Friday over whether the state should be allowed to continue its attempt to revoke the medical license of a Berkeley, California psychiatrist, Dr. Tod Mikuriya, who has recommended marijuana to thousands of patients. Administrative Law Judge Jonathan Lew said he'll issue a written proposed ruling within about three weeks, which will then be submitted for the Medical Board of California's consideration.

This is a case where state law allows doctors to prescribe marijuana, but it remains illegal under federal statutes.

However, the state wants his license revoked because of his alleged failure in 16 medical marijuana cases "to examine the patient, to obtain a history, to perform an appropriate workup of the patient's symptoms and findings, or to follow up with or monitor the patients," according to a brief the Attorney General's office filed July 3.

Thus it becomes a simple matter of being a drug dealer. Local controversy abounds. See also this report