A doctor who issues medical marijuana cards in Visalia and Fresno had his medical license suspended this week, but the reason was not made public.

Dr. Terrill Brown, 61, of Visalia was handed an order of interim suspension on Tuesday by an administrative law judge in Sacramento, according to the California Medical Board.

The suspension was granted because evidence shows "there is a reasonable probability" that the state will prevail against Brown, administrative law judge Jonathan Lew of Sacramento wrote.

But the specifics of the evidence against Brown are not stated in the suspension order, and the documents submitted to the judge in support of the suspension are confidential, said Cassandra Hockenson, spokeswoman for the California Medical Board.

The Attorney General's Office, working with the California Medical Board, now has 15 days to file an accusation against Brown with the state Office of Administrative Hearings. If the accusation isn't filed within 15 days, the suspension automatically ends.

Typically an accusation is filed first, and then hearings are held before a ruling is made to suspend a medical license.

Attempts to reach Brown for comment were unsuccessful.

Brown's lawyer, Anthony Gallegos of Madera, did not return a call seeking comment. This is not Brown's first run-in with the medical board.

In 2007, it issued him a public letter of reprimand for "failing to adequately and accurately document medical services provided" to four patients, the letter states.

Brown operates Medical Cannabis of Visalia on West Oak Street near downtown Visalia. Brown also operates an office in Fresno in the 5700 block of North Marks Avenue.

Wednesday, a handwritten sign on the office door in Visalia stated: "Office Closed please return on Monday for your cannabis needs."

A man who arrived at the office but wouldn't give his name said he was a patient and had been going to Brown for four years to obtain his medical marijuana card, or letter, under California law that allows people to possess medicinal marijuana.

He expressed surprise that the office was closed, because it is normally open on Mondays and Wednesdays.

A wooden sign in the window stated that an initial appointment cost $200, renewals $100.

Renewals don't require an appointment, according to an office phone voice message.

"Thank you, and have a groovy day," the message states.