By Howard Fischer Capitol Media Services via Arizona Daily Star
The Arizona Supreme Court will not remove some barriers that exist for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder to get medical marijuana.
Without comment, the justices on Tuesday rejected arguments by the Arizona Cannabis Nurses Association that former state Health Director Will Humble acted illegally in imposing certain conditions before a doctor can recommend the drug, a policy maintained by successor Cara Christ. There are no similar requirements for others who are entitled to legally use the drug.
The justices provided no explanation of their decision, which leaves intact a ruling issued earlier this year by the state Court of Appeals upholding the conditions.
But attorney Ken Sobel, who represents the Arizona Cannabis Nurses Association, said he may make a federal case of this by arguing that the differential — and he says discriminatory — treatment of PTSD patients violates the Equal Protection Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
