SCOTUS declines review of medical-marijuana gag-rule case.

The Supreme Court denied cert. in a 9th Circuit case (Walters v. Conant, No. 03-40) that ruled doctors couldn't be prohibited by the federal government from discussing the risks and benefits of medical marijuana with patients in states that have legalized medical marijuana, although if they help the patients obtain pot they can be prosecuted as accessories or for conspiracy, at a minimum. The freedom-loving Bush Administration sought review. The 9th Circuit case is Conant v. Walters, 309 F.3d 629 (9th Cir. 2002); you can read it here (requires subscription to Westlaw) or here (free on Findlaw).