The case for medical marijuana is a very tricky issue in our country, without a doubt. Despite endless accounts of the drug’s healing potential for patients (particularly those suffering from HIV/AIDS and cancer), a major issue stems from the manner the drug is distributed. Doctors have to undergo rigorous procedures to receive approval for prescribing marijuana, and any movement past the fine line of regulations could result in major trouble. Just ask one of the mot recent offenders, Dr. Anthony Anzalone, better known to his patients as “Dr. Marijuana.” Recently, this New Jersey-based physician put his license in jeopardy after prescribing pot to people who didn’t need this drug for medical purposes. Let’s take a closer look at this bizarre situation and find out more information.
Making Millions off Marijuana
On Thursday, the renowned obstetrician and gynecologist earned the special title of being the first New Jersey doctor who jeopardized his license by authorizing marijuana prescriptions for 3,000 patients without conducting a thorough examination of their health records and physical health. In fact, some of the patients didn’t even qualify for the medical marijuana program. Ultimately, Dr. Anzalone and his patients would meet in rented hotel ballrooms, where he would charge $350 for the visit $100 in quarterly fees for patients to renew their license. According to New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, these statistics indicate that Dr. Anzalone made $1 million off consultation fees alone.
Bring down the Green Hammer
As Attorney General Grewal added further, the temporary suspension of Dr. Anzalone’s license is a public spectacle to demonstrate how the New Jersey government will not tolerate the abuse of a practicing physician’s license. (Officials disguised as patients ultimately turned Anzalone in.) Although the state legislatures might be loosening their grip on pot, New Jersey intends to stand firm with its medical marijuana program. Although Dr. Anzalone professed to identify a patient’s health concerns before prescribing the plant, he ultimately broke the rules of the medical program.
Seeking Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder
Always remember that drugs do not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your drug abuse or addiction troubles today.
