24 doctors certify most in Ariz.'s pot program
Web Producer: Taylor Higgins
PHOENIX (AP) - Health officials in Arizona say a small number of doctors have given the go-ahead for the vast majority of medical marijuana cards issued in the state.
A report released Friday by the Arizona Department of Health Services raises questions about whether the program is being abused.
The report says 24 doctors certified almost 75 percent of all cardholders from the inception of Arizona's medical marijuana program in April 2011 to June 2012.
In all, 475 doctors have certified nearly 29,000 patients.
The report said the most frequently citied reasons for getting a medical pot card was severe and chronic pain.
It also noted the largest per capita share of marijuana patients was in Gila County, followed by Yavapai and Coconino counties.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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