Rhode Island Legislature Approves Medical Marijuana

On Tuesday, the Rhode Island General Assembly approved medical marijuana, overriding a veto from Governor Donald Carcieri. The measure establishes 3 dispensaries to provide marijuana to patients who have cancer, glaucoma, HIV, Hepatitis C, wasting syndrome, severe chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, muscle spasms and other medical conditions. The measure allows approved patients to possess up to 12 mature marijuana plants and two and a half ounces of marijuana. In addition, caregivers of qualifying patients are allowed to possess marijuana for up to five of their qualifying patients. The measure had originally been vetoed by the governor. The entire House voted in favor of the measure and was approved by the State Senate in a 35 to 3 vote. Rhode Island only becomes the third state allowing medical marijuana dispensaries, along with California and New Mexico. The United States Supreme Court has held that the United States Congress has the right to criminalize medical marijuana growth and use for medical purposes. During the Bush Administration the Drug Enforcement Administration would routinely raid medical marijuana dispensaries because they violated federal law. Recently, the U.S. Department of Justice has decided not to prosecute owners of medical marijuana facilities that do not violate state law and to stop these raids.

Illinois is seeking to legalize medical marijuana. Legislation has already been passed by the House and Senate.

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