cannabisnews.com: Hearing To Decide Fate of Pot-Prescribing Doc Hearing To Decide Fate of Pot-Prescribing Doc Posted by CN Staff on September 02, 2003 at 12:05:51 PT By Fred Gardner, Special To The Planet Source: Berkeley Daily Planet The hearing that will determine the fate of a Berkeley psychiatrist who has prescribed medical marijuana for 7,000 in the last seven years commences in an Oakland hearing room Wednesday.Tod Mikuriya, M.D., who began writing prescriptions for the drug after passage of Prop 215 in 1996, has rejected an offer to settle the Medical Board of California’s unprofessional conduct case against him, leading to the hearings before Administrative Law Judge Jonathan Lew in Oakland’s State Building, 1515 Clay St. The hearing is expected to take about a week as the judge hears a file-by-file review of Mikuriya’s treatment of the 17 patients named by the Board in its Accusation.None of the patients who allegedly received sub-standard care from Mikuriya has filed or expressed a complaint against him (not counting an undercover narcotics officer from Sonoma County, whose name was added to the complaint after Mikuriya nixed the settlement offer).All the patients named in the Board’s accusation had been self-medicating with cannabis before consulting Mikuriya. Many have reported that Mikuriya was the first and only doctor with whom they could discuss the fact that they’d been using marijuana medicinally.The complaints against Dr. Mikuriya have all come from rural county district attorneys and sheriffs who, according to attorney Bill Simpich, “resented Tod’s courage in issuing approvals under Health and Safety Code section 11362.5.” Mikuriya is charged with violating a “standard of care” that the Medical Board has never defined with respect to doctors who approve their patients’ cannabis use. Ironically, Mikuriya has been urging the Board to adopt specific standards with respect to cannabis approvals since 1996. The Board contends that such approvals are equivalent to prescriptions for “dangerous drugs.” The prosecution—the Attorney General’s office, on behalf of the Medical Board—will call an expert witness employed by the Board, Tracy Duskin, M.D., who has reviewed the 17 patients’ files (which were obtained by subpoena). Duskin will explain why, in her opinion, Mikuriya failed each of them. The defense will call its own expert, Phillip Denney, M.D., a family doctor from Loomis, to explain why Mikuriya was able to make a valid medical judgment in each case. All documents relevant to the case except the patients’ records can be found on -- http://www.mikuriya.com/ -- including the final settlement offer from the state Medical Board that Mikuriya rejected. Complete Title: Oakland Hearing To Decide Fate of Pot-Prescribing DocSource: Berkeley Daily Planet (US CA)Author: Fred Gardner, Special To The PlanetPublished: Tuesday, September 2, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Berkeley Daily PlanetContact: opinion berkeleydailyplanet.net Website: http://www.berkeleydailyplanet.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D.http://www.mikuriya.com/Mikuriya To Med Board: No Dealhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17183.shtmlProsecutors Putting Heat on Medipot Doctorshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17149.shtmlMikuriya's Motion Deniedhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17012.shtmlPsychiatrist's License May Be Revokedhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16839.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #33 posted by FoM on September 03, 2003 at 16:42:25 PT Has Anyone Heard How It Went Today? I've been looking for news but haven't found any so far. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by charmed quark on September 03, 2003 at 16:04:46 PT BGreen ... I have told Dr. Mikuria that I will fly acros the country on my own dime to testify if he needs me. But I think he hs no shortage of patients who want to testify for him.-Pete [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by ekim on September 03, 2003 at 15:04:28 PT Willie upcomming dates Willie Nelson Tue 09/02/03 Springfield, MO Remington's Niteclub Wed 09/03/03 Marshall, MO Indian Foothills Park Thu 09/04/03 Muncie, IN Emens Auditorium Fri 09/05/03 West Lafayette, IN Elliott Hall Of Music appearing with "Farm Aid 2003" Sun 09/07/03 Columbus, OH Germain Amphitheater Willie Nelson Mon 09/08/03 Burgettstown, PA Pepsi Cola Roadhouse Tue 09/09/03 Burgettstown, PA Pepsi Cola Roadhouse Thu 09/11/03 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena Fri 09/12/03 Saint Louis, MO The Pageant Thu 09/25/03 Sedona, AZ Sedona Cultural Park Fri 09/26/03 Pomona, CA Los Angeles County Fair Sat 09/27/03 Red Bluff, CA Tehama District Fair Sun 09/28/03 Murphys, CA Kautz Vineyard Tue 09/30/03 Saratoga, CA Historic Mountain Winery Wed 10/01/03 Saratoga, CA Historic Mountain Winery Fri 10/03/03 Reno, NV City Center Pavilion Silver Legacy Sat 10/04/03 Reno, NV City Center Pavilion Silver Legacy Sun 10/05/03 San Francisco, CA Golden Gate Park Thu 10/09/03 Helotes, TX Floores Country Store Fri 10/10/03 Grandview, TX Beaumont Ranch 102 Sat 10/11/03 Fort Worth, TX Billy Bob's Sun 11/02/03 Laughlin, NV Flamingo Hilton Ballroom & Amph. Thu 11/06/03 Topeka, KS Performing Arts Center Fri 11/07/03 Waterloo, IA McElroy Auditorium Sat 11/08/03 Wisconsin Dells, WI Crystal Grand Theatre Sun 11/09/03 Peoria, IL Civic Theater Wed 11/12/03 Aurora, IL Paramount Arts Center Fri 11/14/03 Robinsonville, MS Grand Casino Tunica Sat 11/15/03 Robinsonville, MS Grand Casino Tunica Sun 11/16/03 Little Rock, AR Electric Cowboy Fri 11/28/03 Tucson, AZ Desert Diamond Casino Sat 11/29/03 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre Sun 11/30/03 Thousand Oaks, CA Kavli Theatre / Civic Arts Plaza Mon 12/01/03 Palm Desert, CA McCallum Theatre Tue 12/02/03 Modesto, CA State Theatre Wed 12/03/03 Modesto, CA State Theatre Thu 12/04/03 Los Angeles, CA Royce Hall UCLA Fri 12/05/03 Las Vegas, NV House Of Blues Sat 12/06/03 San Diego, CA 4th & B Sun 12/07/03 Lancaster, CA Performing Arts Center [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by ekim on September 03, 2003 at 14:30:21 PT Nuevo --when is Willie doen concert for Dennis Will Dennis be at Farm Aid. Does he have any of LEAPs officers meeting with him. (http://www.leap.cc) ck out events and see what is going on right next door to you. Would get big press if he was at Dr. Tods trial as no other canadate would touch that with a telephone pole. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by Nuevo Mexican on September 03, 2003 at 11:15:13 PT Dennis Kucinich is the only Democrat calling for.. an end to the war on drugs, and supports medical cannabis, universal health care, paid college education for all, and end to a war-driven country/economy, you name it, he's on top of it. Here is his website: www.kucinich.us If everyone here really wants to do something to end the war on cannabis, get off your butts and in the streets, (as I have been known to do to excess) and get this mans name out there. The corporate media wants noone to know of this man, his mission, his vision, and the threat he represents to bush, his minions, the corporate robber-barons, and the pharmacuetical criminals and war-mongers. If anyone here doesn't know about Dennis, it's because the media has a virtual black-out on mentioning his name, as it ryhmes with 'SPINACH'. If you liked Gary Johnson, you'll love Dennis Kucinich! And he's a Vegan. You are what you eat, and it shows in the mindset of all the other Democratic candidates, they are all 'bush-lites' and happy to be that way! Thanks for listening! [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by E_Johnson on September 03, 2003 at 10:36:48 PT Is the Drug War finally devouring itself? Has anyone noticed the irony in Issa funding the recall of Davis? [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by BigDawg on September 03, 2003 at 09:48:07 PT It would be nice... ... if the Dems made MMJ part of the party platform.However, I have lost alot of respect for Dems in that area. Bill claimed to have not inhaled *cough* in a place/time where it was not illegal to have done so. Then under his administration MJ arrests skyrocketed.Al Gore admits to smoking cannabis all the way thru grad school... yet he still supported the WOD whole heartedly.I worry about sellouts like this.MAYBE... just MAYBE... if it is a party platform... they will stand up for what is right. Maybe. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on September 03, 2003 at 08:46:17 PT EJ Is There a Link? I looked but couldn't find anything about the platform and would really like to see it. Check out this article. I heard on the news this morning about the air quality in NY after the attack. I know the EPA doesn't care but this shows it.http://www.democrats.org/news/200308260002.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by E_Johnson on September 03, 2003 at 08:27:46 PT Before you get TOO excited... The state Democratic Party has voted to make support for medical marijuana part of their party platform, and this position will be submitted to the DNC and more than likely it will become part of the official national Democratic Party platform in the 2004 election.I sure don't see the Republicans doing that for 2004. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Sam Adams on September 03, 2003 at 07:07:21 PT John wayne You're absolutely right, that's why I hate Democrats even more than Republicans. At least the Republicans do what they say they're going to do - they're open with their bigotry, corruption, etc. Democrats ARE Republicans that are more creative liars. I was talking to a friend recently about this. Think about those countries like China or a 3rd world dictatorship we love to ridicule because they have elections, but only the dictator is on the ballot and the dictator and his people get 99% of the vote.The are only TWO differences between that situation and the U.S. Here, 99% of the people vote for 2 candidates instead of one - the 2 candidates represent the same exact ideology, though.The other difference is, people obey the tyrants and continue voting them in here by their own free will. The political class uses mass mind control to maintain power instead of the threat of direct violence.I could explain this theory more but don't have time, here's a quote that sums it up:"He felt that institutions such as schools, churches, governments and political organizations of every sort all tended to direct thought for ends other than truth, for the perpetuation of their own functions and for the control of individuals in the service of these functions."Robert Pirsig, "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Robbie on September 03, 2003 at 03:02:35 PT Be there for Mikuriya! (from ASA)*** Support Dr. Tod Mikuriya!! ***...Patients and court supporters needed this week...Dr Tod Mikuriya goes in front of the California Medical Board this week. Dr. Mikuriya is a medical cannabis specialist who has cared for thousands of patients. We need to pack the courtroom with his supporters. The trial starts on Wed, Sept. 3 at 9:30 am and will continue into next week. Wed & Thursday, law enforcement and the prosecution will be presenting their case, and the defense begins to present its case on Friday with testimony from Dr. Denny, and then patients on Friday and Monday.Please come out at least one day and attend court in support of this important hero for medical cannabis patients in California, and help us spread the word. If the doctors are all gone, legal medical marijuana is over. We can't let that happen.When: Wed. Sept. 3 until at least Mon. Sept 8, 9:30 amWhere: The courtroom of Administrative Law Judge Jonathan Lew in Oakland's State Building (1515 Clay St.) What: A file-by-file review of Dr. Mikuriya's handling of 17 cases, all of whom were reported solely by law enforcement.What's at stake: Safe access to medical marijuana!Hilary McQuie Political Director Americans for Safe Access www.safeaccessnow.org Join the fight for medical marijuana rights! To receive ASA alerts, send a blank email to asa-subscribe lists.riseup.net Americans for Safe Access [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by john wayne on September 03, 2003 at 00:33:19 PT That's right EJ Thanks for bringing up an often-overlooked political point, EJ. If you look at Dianne Feinstein, Gray Davis, Barbara Boxer, Bill Clinton, Al Gore, Joe Biden, etc. etc. and so on ad nauseum, their collective record shows that they are not one iota better on medpot issues than the most rabid right-wing religioid republican. In fact, as Dale G. and others have pointed out repeatedly, they frequently out-republican the republicans in an effort to look "tough-on-drugs" in a bid to attract more republican-leaning voters. It is this singular lack of leadership on the part of the democrats that explains their complete haplessness at the ballot box. Would Al Gore be growing a beard and lecturing at little colleges if he had come out early and often in support of medpot? Would Gray Davis be looking now at early retirement if he had done the same? [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by E_Johnson on September 02, 2003 at 23:56:32 PT Gray Davis is in the far right wing on MMJ! Holy cow, according to Dale Gierenger's analysis of the main candidates in the recall, Gray Davis' position on medical marijuana is further to the right than the rightmost Republican in the race.http://www.canorml.org/news/CalRecallElection.htmlHow did the Democrat get to be the hardliner in the race? [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Motavation on September 02, 2003 at 23:53:24 PT: *****POLITICAL WITCH HUNT***** Mikuriya is charged with Violating a “standard of care” that the Medical Board has NEVER defined with respect to doctors who approve their patients’ cannabis use. Ironically, Mikuriya has been urging the Board to adopt specific standards with respect to cannabis approvals since 1996.It would seem to defy logic. How can you be "Charged" with VIOLATING, a ""Standard" of care" that is Not and NEVER has been Defined, Written, and/or even Discussed about? This Author uses the word "Ironically." A better word might be Contrary, Dr. Mikuriya has been urging (in writting) to the "Medical Board" with no rules or procedures, with regard to a "Standard of care" to urgently "adopt" a set of "Standards" and/or rules. NOTE: This Commentator has never seen Dr. Tod Mikuriya and has no biased opinion about his "Standard of Care". However, it is my opinion that Dr. Tod Mikuriya is the "Target" of a "Political Witch Hunt" for recommending Cannabis to 7000 sick people, of which 6,999 felt better and never complained to Anyone. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Rev Jonathan Adler on September 02, 2003 at 23:06:46 PT: Dr Mikuriya needs our prayers and support! The leaders of real change are always targeted by those who refuse to change! Usually the no-changers are the ones taking advantage and they don't want anyone to take away their "golden egg". Dr. Mikuriya is the MOST CONSCIOUS doctor I have ever met. Figure it this way. If he wasn't doing so much GOOD; they would probably leave him alone.But progress is always made difficult by feeble minded bueracrats and certain folks who think they rule us by force of their money and their guns. Wrong again. Truth will out! Peace. Good luck and prayers for Todd. Rev. Jonathan Adler/ One of 7,000........ and proud of it. Hawaii Medical Marijuana Institute [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on September 02, 2003 at 21:31:53 PT Just a Comment I really hope that everything works out for Dr. Mikuriya. We want Doctors to be able to be honest and tell us what they believe. We want to get honest answers from our Doctors. This erosion that is going on between Doctor and Patient is unfair to everyone. Let Doctors be Doctors is all I want. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on September 02, 2003 at 20:15:51 PT It Would Help If I Posted The Link! http://votearianna.com/movie/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on September 02, 2003 at 20:14:51 PT Check Out Arianna's Hybrid vs. Hummer HYBRID vs. HUMMERHilarious New Flash Movie Depicts Arianna vs. Arnold Drag Race Watch it Now! [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on September 02, 2003 at 20:08:26 PT You're Welcome ekim Check out the web site if you have a good connection. I think it will be a good program.http://www.sacredbalance.com/web/idea/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by ekim on September 02, 2003 at 19:57:55 PT is this the right address for Arianna Huffington, Arianna E-mail Address(es): arianna ariannaonline.com----------please go to this trial show the people that the Dutch, and the Upers are not the only compassionate humans around send Arianna a letter. --E can the brain be scanned for effected area when smoked up. if so is it the left side or has it the ability to go both ways --left and right .PFC or is it in different places as well. --thanks FoM for the info on upcomming great show on PBS with David S. about the interconectedness of all to the earth. ck out list of citys he will be in 8 i think all in Sept.The part of the brain the team studied, the prefrontal cortex (PFC), is associated with depression. People who had the greatest activity in the right PFC when asked to dwell on distressing episodes in their life had a markedly lower antibody levels after an influenza vaccination. In contrast, those showing exceptional activity in the left PFC when recalling happy times developed high antibody levels. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by gloovins on September 02, 2003 at 19:42:38 PT Holy Toledo $4-6000 for one plant? Craaaazy..... Busted for One PlantToledo police carried away one of the tallest marijuana plants they say they've seen in years. It was growing behind a north Toledo home. A neighbor on Michigan St. lives right next door to where the plant was found. There's a tall fence separating his yard from his neighbors. He says he never would have guessed drugs were growing behind that fence. "It's a shock, hard to believe, she seemed real nice, you never know what grows behind a privacy fence." Kimberly Newby lives in the home where the plant was found. She was taken away in cuffs, and charged with cultivating marijuana. Ond police officer said, "She said when she moved in the home, the plant just happened to be there and she just wanted to see it grow because it was kind of pretty. I don't think she's telling the truth though." Police say the marijuana plant was just a few weeks away from harvesting and has a street value of $4,000-$6,000. Ray Basil says he talked with Newby many times, and had no idea drugs were growing in his neighbor's backyard. "It's really surprising. She comes out here and cuts the grass and talks to everyone." Police say they went to Newby's home after a city worker spotted a suspicious plant growing in her backyard. If convicted of cultivating marijuana, Newby could face up to a year and a half in prison and a $5,000 fine. 8/25/03 [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by aolbites on September 02, 2003 at 19:05:56 PT happy times developed high antibody levels. Brain study links negative emotions and lowered immunity 14:38 02 September 03 NewScientist.com news service Brain activity linking negative emotions to a lower immune response against disease has been revealed for the first time, claim researchers.Many previous studies have shown that emotions and stress can adversely affect the immune system. But this effect had not been directly correlated with activity in the brain, says study leader Richard Davidson, at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in the US.The part of the brain the team studied, the prefrontal cortex (PFC), is associated with depression. People who had the greatest activity in the right PFC when asked to dwell on distressing episodes in their life had a markedly lower antibody levels after an influenza vaccination. In contrast, those showing exceptional activity in the left PFC when recalling happy times developed high antibody levels.Davidson says emotions play an important role in regulating systems in the body that influence health. "This study establishes that people with a pattern of brain activity that has been associated with positive [emotions] are also the ones to show the best response to the flu vaccine.""It begins to suggest a mechanism for why subjects with a more positive emotional disposition may be healthier," he says. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, an expert on stress and immunity at Ohio State University, told the New York Times that the study represents "some of the best evidence we've seen to date."-=CUT=-i bet that this is but one more reason why cannabis is so effective on such a wide variety of ailments ... people who are happy are healthier and one thing i can say with absolute certainty is that pot = happy. Brain study links negative emotions and lowered immunity [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by SoberStoner on September 02, 2003 at 18:57:25 PT Calling witnesses So if they are calling witnesses who have not filed a complaint against Dr. Tod, does that mean they are satisfied with their care and the relief cannabis has provided in their lives? I truly hope each one is allowed to take the stand and testify before the entire world how cannabis has helped their life.Please god, if there was ever a case to blow away the schedule one lie, this could be it. Only in Amerika can a doctor be charged with negligent conduct for trying to follow the Hippocratic oath instead of the almighty dollar.I have never heard of this judge before. I knew Ed was doomed when it was stated that Breyer would be hearing the case, but this judge is an unknown to me. Does anyone know his prior history, and if he has had any dealings with cannabis statutes before? I wouldnt think they would be able to bar any discussion of cannabis' medicinal benefits since that is what the entire case revolves around.I am tempted to contact Tod's lawyer with some of the stories about the Netherlands landmark decision to sell cannabis in their pharmacies, except that it would most likely be inadmissable. However, sending infromation on the IOM report or any other studies may be allowable.In fact, I am going to send Dr. Tod a link to the IOM report. I'm sure he's probably already very familiar with it, but you can never be too sure when it's something this important.I would advise anyone who can think of anything else that may help our courageous doctor to email him as well. We can win.Peace and love SS [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by The GCW on September 02, 2003 at 18:31:13 PT BURNING MAN 2003 http://www.rgj.com/burningman/MANY LINKS!The DesertThe PeopleThe Art [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on September 02, 2003 at 18:02:41 PT Important E-Mail News from Dale Gieringer DPFCA: Medical Board v. Dr. Tod Mikuriya -Hearing Starts Tomorrow, Sept. 3Berkeley psychiatrist Tod Mikuriya, MD, who has approved cannabis use by some 7,000 patients since Prop 215 passed in November, 1996, has rejected an offer to settle the Medical Board of California's "unprofessional conduct" case against him.Starting Sept. 3, the courtroom of Administrative Law Judge Jonathan Lew in Oakland's State Building (1515 Clay St.) will be the scene of a file-by-file review of Mikuriya's treatment of the 17 patients named by the Board in its accusation. The hearing is expected to take about a week.None of the patients who allegedly received sub-standard care from Mikuriya has filed or expressed a complaint against him (not counting an undercover narcotics officer from Sonoma County whose name was added to the accusation after Mikuriya turned down the settlement offer).All the patients named in the Board's accusation had been self-medicating with cannabis before consulting Mikuriya. Many have reported that Mikuriya was the first and only doctor with whom they could discuss the fact that they'd been using marijuana to treat various health problems.The complaints against Dr. Mikuriya have all come from rural-county district attorneys and sheriffs who, according to attorney Bill Simpich, "resented Tod's courage in issuing approvals under Health and Safety Code section 11362.5."Mikuriya is charged with violating a "standard of care" that the Medical Board has never defined with respect to doctors who approve their patients' cannabis use. Ironically, Mikuriya has been urging the Board to adopt specific standards with respect to cannabis approvals since '96. The Board contends that such approvals are equivalent to prescriptions for "dangerous drugs."The prosecution -the Attorney General's office, on behalf of the Medical Board- will call an expert witness, Laura Duskin, MD, who has reviewed the 17 patients' files (which were obtained by subpoena). Duskin will explain why, in her opinion, Mikuriya failed each of them. The defense will call its own expert, Phillip Denney, MD, a family doctor from Loomis, to explain why Mikuriya was able to make a valid medical judgment in each case.Mikuriya's lawyers also intend to call several patients named in the accusation who, according to Simpich, "typify Tod's patients in that they are truly ill, they report getting benefit from cannabis without adverse effects, and they appreciate the care he provided."Mikuriya notes that the two assistant AGs who will be prosecuting him, Larry Mercer and Jane Zack Simon, were assigned by former Attorney General Dan Lungren to prosecute medical-marijuana cases. "Their boss, John Gordnier, bitterly opposed Prop 215, and trying to get my license revoked is payback for my role in implementing it. This is a vindictive prosecution by remnants of Dan Lungren's inner circle."All documents relevant to the case (except patients' records, of course) can be found on -- http://www.Mikuriya.com/For more information contact Fred Gardner at 415-305-4758-- ---- Dale Gieringer (415) 563-5858 // canorml igc.org 2215-R Market St. #278, San Francisco CA 94114 California NORML [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by Sam Adams on September 02, 2003 at 17:32:35 PT USA It's so good to know that rural DAs and sheriffs rule over me. What do doctors know anyways. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by mayan on September 02, 2003 at 16:05:54 PT oops... Dr. "Mikuriya", that is. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by mayan on September 02, 2003 at 16:03:43 PT No Complaints "None of the patients who allegedly received sub-standard care from Mikuriya has filed or expressed a complaint against him (not counting an undercover narcotics officer from Sonoma County, whose name was added to the complaint after Mikuriya nixed the settlement offer)."The Attorney General's office must be pretty desperate if the only person with a complaint against Dr. Mikuria is an undercover narcotics officer! This hearing, regardless of the outcome, will further expose the lies & corruption of the fascist prohibitionists.The way out is the way in...9/11 And The Bush Administration - Compelling Evidence for Complicity: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article4582.htmBush Knew - An American Requiem: http://www.takebackthemedia.com/true911.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by BGreen on September 02, 2003 at 14:42:43 PT charmed quark Have you investigated the possibility of your deposition or testimony being used to help Dr. Mikuriya?Somebody needs to hear your story.The Rev. Bud Green Welcome to the www page of Tod H. Mikuriya, M.D. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by herbdoc215 on September 02, 2003 at 14:36:41 PT This is probably first thing me and Richard L. Have ever agreed upon:) But we can't just let Tod get washed under the bridge, can we? I worked with Tod for first couple of years we did this in Cali at HCC and he's a stand-up couragious person if one ever existed! He saved so many people from living in suffering and educated many others like me about cannabis treatment...now he's getting treated like a criminal by a gov't who definately are! This will exert a chilling effect upon Cali MD's way beyond just cannabis...this brings the entire practice of pain management into danger, with DA's and cops deciding who suffers and who get's relief? Who here wouldn't want a trusted physican to see you through your final days instead of a DA appointed quack? Peace, Steve Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Richard Lake on September 02, 2003 at 13:58:59 PT: Pot Politics I thank Fred Gardner, whom I first met at the NORML conf. two years ago, for keeping us up to date on what is happening to Dr. Tod.Dr. Tod is a dear friend of many years. I first worked with him in '72 during the California Marijuana Initiative effort. A county leader who took on many tasks that helped the entire state effort, he was one of our best mentors. In the basement of his home he set up a silk screen shop that made posters and t-shirts. His dedication was exceptional!I remember well the 26 Dec. 1996 day that our then drug kzar announced that the feds would go after any MD that dared to recommend marijuana. Dr. Tod was singled out for special treatment, libeled extensively, misquoted with intent, and called the leader of "Cheech and Chong" medicine.Pissed me off no end. I had started really using the 'net only a few months before, and that day caused me to decide that I would use the net to the best of my ability to counter all the b.s.It will be a sad day if Dr. Tod is finally beaten to the ground by the state for being a person of true honor, a hero.Hope nobody will mind if I stick the following announcement here, 'cause I saw no other place it would fit as well.RichardPOT POLITICSWhat It Takes to Enact Medical Marijuana LegislationMedical marijuana bills have been introduced -- and defeated -- in a number of states this year. But in one, Maryland, medical marijuana legislation not only passed, a Republican governor signed it into law. To learn how this happened, the Honorable Don Murphy, Chairman of the Baltimore County Republican Party, will be OPN's guest at the September Patient Forum on Thursday, September 4, 2003, starting at 7:30 pm EDT.At this meeting, Murphy will discuss the ins an outs of "pot politics." He has considerable experience with moving medicinal cannabis bills through the legislative process. As a Maryland House of Representatives delegate from Baltimore County, Murphy was one of the state's most visible proponents of decriminalizing marijuana for patients with cancer, AIDS, and other debilitating illnesses. He co-sponsored the Darrell Putnam Compassionate Use Act, which was passed into law by the Maryland General Assembly this past Spring.Murphy will be providing hints on the best ways to influence legislators to pass cannabis legislation. A question and answer session will follow Murphy's presentation.While this discussion is aimed at medical marijuana activists and their concerns, other interested parties are welcome to attend. Because this event will be conducted online, anyone can participate regardless of location.OPN Patient Forums are held on the FREE Internet voice/text chat software and "rooms" provided by Paltalk. For instructions on how to join this meeting, please see http://www.ohiopatient.net/Paltalk_instructions.htm. For more details, see http://www.ohiopatient.net/Events.htm or contact Rob Ryan at RRyan OhioPatient.netThe Ohio Patient Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of patients, caregivers, medical professionals, concerned citizens, and organizations who support the compassionate use of cannabis for various medicinal purposes. Information about OPN can be found at http://www.ohiopatient.net. Please support our work by making a generous donation at http://www.ohiopatient.net/Donate.htm.Who: The Honorable Don Murphy, Chairman of the Baltimore County Republican PartyWhat: Ohio Patient Network's Monthly Patient ForumWhere: Via an Internet audio conference.*When: Thursday, September 4, 2003, 7:30 pm EDTContact: Rob Ryan at RRyan OhioPatient.net* OPN Patient Forums are held on the FREE Internet voice chat software and "rooms" provided by Paltalk at http://www.Paltalk.com. Instructions on how to set up Paltalk on your computer can be found at http://www.ohiopatient.net/Paltalk_instructions.htm. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by E_Johnson on September 02, 2003 at 13:44:45 PT That's four patients per day, hardly shocking If you divide 7,000 by seven years, and assume that he works 20 days per month, then he's seen about four patients per day, which doesn't sound like he's been depriving people of care. Some doctors cram 100 patients into a single day and prescribe far more serious medications than cannabis and the State Board doesn't blink an eye. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by charmed quark on September 02, 2003 at 13:40:47 PT: Longest exaime I've ever had I can state from personal experience that the charges agaist Dr. Mikuriya are ridiculous. I went to him last year to discuss whether he thought Marinol might help me with my disabling migraines. I spent an hour filling out a very long history form that he normally uses for cannabis recommendations that asked extremely detailed questions about my disorder, its diagnosis, and past treatment. Then I spent an hour with Dr. Mikuriya going though the medical records I brought with me and reviewing my history in detail. He didn't do a physical exaim on me, but neither have most of the neurologists I've seen over the years - once my diagnoisis of migraine had been made ( by other doctors) they would just prescribe drugs and tell me to see them again in a couple of months. Even my primary physician doesn't do physical exaims any more -he says they have proven fairly useless unless you are looking for something in particlar.Dr. Mikuriya spent much more time with me than any other doctor I've ever been to.I sure hope he survives this inquisition.-Pete [ Post Comment ] Post Comment