Psychiatrist Zinia Sue Thomas, Facing Felony Drug Charges, Loses Licenses, Announces Scholarship (?)

February 26, 2024

On September 10, 2022, several news outlets reported the arrest of Missouri psychiatrist Zinia Thomas, for possession of large amounts of cannabis and ecstasy.

Thomas is known in Missouri for approving medical marijuana cards. A 2019 news report by KMOV (Columbia, MO) stated that KMOV crewmembers went undercover to the Festus, Missouri stop of Thomas’ “Cannibus tour.” The crew filled out forms and though they were never seen personally by Thomas, she diagnosed one of them with a debilitating psychiatric disorder, to qualify them for a medical marijuana card--something she did for all in attendance that day.

In addition to Missouri, Thomas holds medical licenses in Colorado, Florida, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.

On February 28, 2023, the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) suspended Thomas’ medical license. DORA’s document states that “the Board reviewed a complaint and media report that you were illegally in possession of a large amount of marijuana and ecstasy pills and that you qualified patients’ medical marijuana cards in the State of Michigan by diagnosing them with certain conditions without seeing the patients in question.” The Board subsequently ordered Thomas to “submit to a mental or physical examination,” which she failed to do.

On November 14, 2023, the Utah Division of Professional Licensing suspended Thomas’ medical license based on the grounds for suspension of her Colorado license.

Thomas’ criminal case is pending in (Missouri vs. Thomas, 22BT-CR01338) is pending in Butler County (MO) Circuit Court. The charges are two felony counts of “Delivery of Controlled Substance Except 35 Grams or Less of Marijuana or Synthetic Cannabinoid.”

Thomas modified her named to “Zeenia” Thomas, M.D. on LinkedIn. Her profile on the platform indicates that she is now based in Orlando, Florida, and that she is looking for work.

On October 11, 2022--one month after her arrest--a news release announced the “Dr. Zinia Thomas Scholarship for Future Medical Doctors.” The scholarship asks applicants to write an essay on the following: “The field of medicine is constantly changing and improving. Describe how you should use your medical degree to innovate the field.” The winner will be awarded $1,000 toward their medical school tuition.

Source: https://localnews8.com/cnn-regional/2022/09/10/local-doctor-known-for-giving-medical-marijuana-cards-faces-illegal-drug-charges/; https://www.komu.com/news/state/missouri-doctor-known-for-giving-medical-marijuana-cards-faces-illegal-drug-charges/article_a6316702-041e-5312-8629-a445845f7c5e.html; https://www.dora.state.co.us/pls/real/DDMS_documents_api.download?p_file=F648349313/2107629_Page1_196483_53349.pdf; https://db.dopl.utah.gov/disciplinary-actions/2023-364_FF_2023-11-14.pdf; https://www.courts.mo.gov/cnet/cases/newHeader.do?inputVO.caseNumber=22BT-CR01338&inputVO.courtId=SMPDB0004_CT36#header; https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzees/; https://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/dr-zinia-thomas-scholarship-for-future-medical-doctors-now-available