RI allows medical marijuana sales

RI allows medical marijuana sales

NBC 10's Bill Rappleye reports.

NBC 10 NEWS
Published: 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.

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.