RI expected to issue medical marijuana rules

PROVIDENCE—Health officials may soon issue rules governing the operation of medical marijuana stores in Rhode Island.
   
Health Department spokeswoman Annemarie Beardsworth said the new regulations could be issued as soon as this week. Officials expect to start receiving applications to open marijuana dispensaries this winter.
   
State lawmakers voted this year, over the objections of Gov. Don Carcieri, to make Rhode Island the third state in the country to allow medical marijuana sales. Up to three nonprofit marijuana stores could eventually operate in the state.
   
Rhode Island already allows chronically ill patients registered with the state to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in usable form and 12 plants.