Compassion In The Ocean State Of Rhode Island

By Ron S. Niehouse, Executive Director (Medical Cannabis Journal) (California)

08-01-2010

Rhode Island-

Last year Rhode Island's Governor Donald L. Carcieri, vetoed the bill which would allow some non-profit compassion centers to open slowly and periodically throughout the State of Rhode Island. Luckily, the General Assembly had enough support in the house and senate to override the veto. Making history on June 16th, 2009 the 'Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act' was codified as H5359 Substitute A. Paving the way for a few dispensaries to open in Rhode Island. These non-profit collectives will be labeled as "compassion centers".

The Rhode Island Department of Health has released the applications and regulations. This was followed by a public hearing in the beginning of 2010 for one license to be awarded that year. After that process is completed the whole cycle will start again for two additional licenses with a maximum of three by the end of 2011. These Compassion Centers will need to pay $250.00 to file for permission, if the application is accepted, the compassion center will then need to pay $5,000 for licensing. Like the example set in Oakland, CA on Tuesday July 21st, 2009 voters applied a new tax on medical cannabis dispensaries entitled 'Measure F'. These compassion centers could create much needed revenue for the State of Rhode Island while at the same time putting drug-dealers at a dis-advantage. Some common sense laws will be enforced along with this medical marijuana bill. 1) Compassion centers must be 500 ft. from any school. 2) All centers must operate as a non-profit business. 3) Adequate oversight and persistent record keeping procedures. 4) Theft deterrent and alarm. 5) Only residents of Rhode Island will reside on any board of directors. 6) May not dispense more than 2.5 ounces within a fifteen-day period. In addition, there will be a limit of twelve plants within the same period. Before the bill was enacted, the limit was 12 plants, regardless of growth.

However, Rhode Island is setting a wonderful example for the other states on the east coast as neighboring states are quickley enacting medical cannabis programs of their own as each medical cannabis victory, no matter where it may be is great news.

In the State of Rhode Island, the patient's futures are looking much brighter. Nobody, should be forced into breaking the law to obtain their medication. Another benefit from these changes is that the risk of jail or fine as a medical cannabis patient will not be a priority to law enforcement. This is of course wonderful news for the entire medical cannabis movement. Especially, The Ocean State of Rhode Island.

Rhode Island's cannabis laws are a subject Medical Cannabis Journal intends to continue bringing you coverage by reporting as new information unfolds. If you would like to learn more about the medical marijuana laws or ompassion centers in the State of Rhode Island please visit this website: www.ripatients.org

The 'Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C.Slater Medical Marijuana Act' is supported by:

RI Medical Society
RI Academy Of Family Physicians
RI State Nurses Association
RI Council of Churches
RI Psychiatry Society
RI Health Center Association
RI Public Health Association
United Nurses and Allied Professionals
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, RI chapter
Aids Care Ocean State
AIDS Project RI
Community H.I.V. / A.I.D.S. Mobilization Project
RI Affiliate, American Civil Liberties Union (RIACLU)
RI Office of Public Defender
Family Services of RI
National Association of Social Workers, RI chapter
Senior Agenda Coalition
Ocean State Action
Brown University
Brown University Medical School
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)
Rhode Island Campaign of Informed Marijuana Policy
AIDS Care Ocean State

Rhode Island Patients and Caregivers support this bill and are endorsed by:

Providence Mayor David Cicilline
URI President Robert Carothers
Brown University
A.I.D.S. Program Director, Dr. David Lewis
RI Attorney General Patrick Lynch
Brown University Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, Founder Dr. David Lewis and Dr. Jody Rich.

Resources:

Rhode Island Patients and Caregivers (RIPAC) RIPATIENTS.org
RI Section 1, Title 21
RI Youth Radio
YouTube.com/search
Medical Marijuana in Rhode Island

********Please check back soon as RIPAC has updated a few things which will make this article updated. Thank you, we will update as soon as we can!*********

Rhode Island

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Theresa
Posts: 1

gFrfwddYAS
Reply #1 on : Mon July 25, 2011, 08:26:45

I had no idea how to approach this before-now I'm locked and loeadd.

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