RI allows medical marijuana sales
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Medical Marijuana Sales
Rhode Island becomes the third state to sanction pot sales to patients.
Published: June 16, 2009
Updated: June 16, 2009
PROVIDENCE—Rhode Island became the third state in the nation Tuesday to permit marijuana sales to chronically ill patients.
Lawmakers in the General Assembly voted Tuesday to override a veto from the Republican governor, who warned the measure will promote illegal drug use. The override vote was unanimous in the House. Senators voted 35-3 to override.
Rhode Island began allowing medical patients to possess marijuana in 2006, but it never created a sanctioned means of buying the drug. About 600 Rhode Islanders are enrolled in the state’s Medical Marijuana Program.
“This gives a safe haven for those who have to go into seedy areas to try to get marijuana,“ said Rep. Thomas Slater, the bill’s sponsor.
The law allows three licensed compassion centers to sell marijuana and equipment to registered patients. But before the dispensaries can open, the state Department of Health has to issue regulations and set up a licensing process.
Related Link: Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program
Gov. Don Carcieri released a statement saying he was disappointed by the override and that the law will create a public perception that Rhode Island is complacent about illegal drugs.
President Barack Obama’s administration has said it will not target stores that comply with state law.
Rhode Island becomes the third state, after California and New Mexico, to allow dispensaries for medical marijuana.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Reader Reactions
It should be legalized to get it off the streets completely. Let those caught selling it deal with the IRS and RIDT instead of clogging up our courts.
Great More Druggies!
This could be terrable for the economy in South Prov. No summer jobs for the school kids.
Maybe this is an indicator that the end of Puritinism in this bass-ackward state is at hand.
Would someone please explain to me why it seems like ALL republicans are against legalization of marijuana? Is it a religious thing? Why are they all so old fashion? They must realize by now that their party is decaying and will not be around much longer if they’re not willing to change with the times.
It just so happens i know people who qualify for this program and all i have to say is its about time we helped people with NATURAL cures instead of SYNTHETIC CHEMICAL cures that only later on down the line you find out causes serious consequences. THe FDA is a joke look at that ZICAM product they let onto the market.
It’s about time. There’s more much more work to do to get our priorities straight.
hahaha don caceri you cant stop it! Righteous I knew common sense and the facts would prevail. Iam not for legalizing the hard drugs, however iam in favor of total legalization. It would be a great way for the state to make money as well as divert much needed money resources to other areas! Now we are as progressive as California ,This is a major step in the right direction . Finally a general assembly decision that makes sense , keep up the good work, THis Buds For You!
Break out the bong baby! Where did I put it again? Better ask that swimmer.
I’m glad we’re making progress in the marijuana dabate. More and more people are realizing that marijuana can be a very effective drug for the sick. It’s mostly the religious pricks that don’t want it legallized all the while they sit at home and crack open a beer or sip there wine. They rationale this by saying Jesus drank wine and didn’t toke marijuana, but he did like porn—Ezekiel: 23:20
God Bless the political houses in Rhode Island . This sends a huge signal to those that would continue take away the rights of the sick and disabled to seek comfort and possibly improve their medical conditions .
What people do not realize is there are not allot of other choices and none that work as well for many people . Many situations do not even have a diagnosis let alone cure that marijuanna helps . For me I need so much asprin or motrin I bleed and get toxic , opiates lead to unbearable suffering , worse pain symtoms ...lives and insantiy after years of use and the psychiatric medications now experimented with to be used for pain are absolutely the worst with no support even recognized when things go wrong .
There is no defense against the Doctors theories either when mental pain and damage occurs for treatments nor realistic comfortable detox programs from the terrible legal meds now . LItterly addiction medicine has no rules or consistancy or guarantees . Its a joke . Marijuanna has been used as medicine for over 4000 years without major problems for the majority . I will take it over any of these expernimental molecules they are still finding side effects and damage from . Herion was once considerred a cure for morphine addiction for war vetrans . Our policies keep responsible people from rotating drugs to keep problems from developing .
This is long overdue and hopefully we will refine the system to not only allow medical marijuanna but also protect patients in the workplace and behind the wheel who drive in a safe manner . We allow people to drive on medications now like Morphine and barbituates without blinking a eye ..its only natural for ill people on holistic medicine be protected under the ADA and transportation laws . Under any system if you have infractions you loose the privilage and thats how it should be . Millions of Americans are allowed to medicate with over the counter and sheduled drugs daily it should be no different for Marijaunna users . Lets work together for freedom . You dont have to participate yourself just don’t prohibit others from the help that God provided for them as long as their responsible .
Freedom must involve comprimises but not prohibitions affecting individual rights within the confines of ones property and basic rights to live and work as a productive cooperating citizen within our Nation .
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