People under the age of 25 or suffering addiction should not be prescribed medical marijuana, according to stricter standards being introduced by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C.

A version of the new professional standards was published on the college's website earlier this month, but has since been taken down.

College registrar Dr. Heidi Oetter said the statement is being reworded to allow for some exceptions for palliative-care patients and patients with seizure disorders.

Oetter said the new policies will also prohibit doctors from charging patients for completing a medical document prescribing cannabis.

"We certainly have learned from our colleagues to the south, particularly in places like Colorado and Washington state," she said.

"They have had instances where physicians have literally opened up hotel rooms to authorize permits at hundreds of dollars per head, and that type of unprofessional activity really tarnishes the profession."

Oetter said the college has not received any complaints about B.C. physicians charging for medical...