[420 Girl]

Just a handful of licensed physicians are writing the vast majority of medical marijuana prescriptions in Colorado, state health officials said Thursday.

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, a total of 820 licensed physicians had authorized marijuana use for roughly 15,800 patients.

However, of those physicians, just 15 accounted for 73 percent of total patients, and five have accounted for about half.

"These figures are representative of the concerns we have about whether some physicians really have a bonafide physician-patient relationship, as required in the constitution, with those for whom they are authorizing the use of marijuana," said Chief Medical Officer Ned Calonge.

The department says roughly 29,000 to 30,000 Coloradans have submitted the necessary applications to be included on the state's medical marijuana registry.

Health officials are urging legislators to enact new rules and regulations to make sure pot isn't being prescribed for the wrong reasons, or by the wrong people.

Among its recommendations, the health department wants physicians to have a bona fide, ongoing relationship with patients that include a complete assessment of the patient's medical history and follow-up care.

It's also asking that lawmakers ensure that only physicians in good standing can write marijuana prescriptions, and that physicians aren't on the payroll of dispensary.

"Many of these requirements parallel federal laws designed to provide protection from economic conflicts of interest that may arise when a physician stands to benefit directly from the sale of a medication or service that he or she prescribes," said Calonge.

Approximately 70 marijuana dispensaries are current open for business in the City and County of Denver.

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