MEDICINAL MARIJUANA STILL OPPOSED

The Department of Justice yesterday pledged to continue resisting
California's voter-approved medical marijuana law, arguing the government
has the right to penalize doctors who recommend cannabis by revoking their
licenses to dispense medication.

Justice Department lawyers argued their position in U.S. District Court
here during the final stage of a lawsuit brought by the American Civil
Liberties Union, which contends the government's position violates doctors'
free speech rights, and because many doctors resist recommending pot for
fear of losing the federal right to prescribe medication.

From Union-Tribune news services