Tacoma doctor challenges ban on pot ads

A Tacoma doctor known for prescribing marijuana to treat pain might be the first to challenge the state’s ban on advertising medical pot.

The Washington State Health Department has charged Dr. Scott Havsy with unprofessional conduct for putting an advertisement for medical marijuana on his website. An Rx prescription symbol is featured on the osteopath’s website with the headline “Find out if you qualify for a Green Card.”

Havsy has refused a settlement offer that required he take down the ad, pay a fine and attend legal classes. He’s demanding a hearing, saying the ban is unconstitutional.

Havsy specializes in pain management and has promoted medical marijuana for the last few years. He tells The News Tribune the legal battle “is not about marijuana, it’s about a physicians right to inform the public about what we do.”