Judge denies appeal of condition for using pot for PTSD

PHOENIX (AP) - Medical marijuana advocates have lost a court challenge to conditions set by Arizona health officials for post-traumatic stress sufferers seeking to qualify for treatment.

Judge Crane McClennen of Maricopa County Superior Court on Tuesday upheld the conditions, ruling that the state Department of Health Services acted within its authority. McClennen also said there was substantial evidence to support the department's action.

Then-DHS Director Will Humble in July 2014 said his agency would allow PTSD sufferers to get medical marijuana but Humble also set conditions that including allowing only PTSD patients already undergoing conventional treatment certified by a physician to qualify.

The conditions also included allowing PTSD sufferers to have marijuana only to relieve their symptoms, not treat them.

Tucson attorney Ken Sobel argued that Humble acted outside his authority.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.