POT DOCTOR CLEARED IN COLORADO CASE

CENTENNIAL (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.