COURT MOVES TO PROTECT DOCTORS WHO RECOMMEND MARIJUANA: LOCAL TAKE

In Santa Barbara, Dr. David Bearman cheered the court ruling as a victory
for free speech.

"I don't think we realize how important the First Amendment is until it's
under attack by irrational forces," he said. "The First Amendment protects
controversial speech, not just talking about the weather, and that's what
makes this country great.

"This kind of decision is long overdue."

Dr. Bearman is among California physicians who have publicly stated that
they recommend medicinal marijuana to patients when warranted. On Tuesday,
he noted the word "marijuana" is a slang term, and referred to the drug by
its scientific name, cannabis.

Dr. Bearman would not say to how many patients he has recommended cannabis,
but estimated more than 500 countywide use the drug for medicinal purposes.

"It is something I believe is beneficial when warranted," he said. "I have
recommended it and I will continue to do so, when it is appropriate, as any
other physician in California can do."

"I really would encourage physicians to educate themselves on this," he
added. "It is important for us as citizens to utilize the freedom and
independence that we have."

He noted that in England, GW Pharmaceuticals has grown tons of cannabis for
medicinal trials, adding that in the United States medical organizations
including the American Academy of Pain Management have discussed medical
properties of the drug in recent months.