Cannabis News Cannabis TV
  Reps Face ‘Pot’ Veto
Posted by CN Staff on December 30, 2005 at 19:15:47 PT
By Jim Baron, Times Staff Reporter 
Source: Pawtucket Times  

medical Providence, R.I. -- Giving proof to Yogi Berra’s adage that "it ain’t over ‘til it’s over," the 2005 House of Representatives will meet one last time at the start of the new year to complete the override of Gov. Donald Carcieri’s veto of a medical marijuana bill.

House Speaker William Murphy will gavel the 2005 session to order one last time at 2 p.m. next Tuesday for the override and formal adjournment of the session, which closes out all business from last year. Then the 2006 session will convene at 4 p.m.

When the House and Senate broke for the summer, each chamber technically "recessed" rather than "adjourning," which would have foreclosed coming back for other business.

The Senate will gather at 4 p.m. next Tuesday and its first order of business will be adjouring the 2005 session.

"The Speaker told me we will come in for the override" of the marijuana legislation, Providence Rep. Thomas Slater said Thursday, adding that House members are being informed by mail of the early override session.

Murphy spokesman Larry Berman would not confirm or deny Slater’s statements.

There are other gubernatorial vetoes outstanding -- the two most prominent being a bill to increase the state minimum wage and another to allow child care providers to unionize to bargain collectively without becoming state employees -- but The Times has learned that the medical marijuana veto will be the only one taken up.

Because the Senate already voted to override the veto of the medical marijuana bill before the summer recess, if the House musters the support ofthree-fifths of the members present and voting -- 45 if all 75 members show up -- the bill automatically becomes law. The final version of the bill passed the House in June on a 52-10 vote.

"I am 90 percent sure we have the votes to override," Slater said, "you’re never 100 percent positive."

The measure eliminates penalties, fines and forfeiture connected with marijuana posession of up to 2.5 ounces for a patient (recommended by a doctor and registered with the Department of Health) with a "debilitating medical condition" and two principal caregivers. The law makes no provision for a legal way to obtain the drug.

Slater said several of the patients who testified on behalf of the bill during committee hearings earlier this year will be invited to watch the override and will hold a press conference afterward.

The bill calls for the Department of Health to promulgate rules and regulations within 90 days of the effective date of the legislation. The law is set to expire June 30, 2007, unless it is renewed by the General Assembly before that time.

"Governor Carcieri continues to share the Rhode Island law enforcement community’s concern about this legislation," said Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal. "He continues to oppose the bill for all the reasons mentioned in his veto message."

In that message, Carcieri said, "The amount of marijuana this bill authorizes is staggering. This bill will make marijuana more available to children in Rhode Island."

Source: Pawtucket Times (RI)
Author: Jim Baron, Times Staff Reporter
Published: December 30, 2005
Copyright: 2005 The Pawtucket Times
Contact: editor@pawtuckettimes.com
Website: http://www.pawtuckettimes.com

Related Articles:

R.I. House To Vote on Marijuana Veto
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21425.shtml

House Should Override Medical Marijuana Veto
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21410.shtml

Medical ‘Pot’ Veto Attacked
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21384.shtml


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Comment #22 posted by FoM on January 02, 2006 at 10:25:07 PT
Press Release from MPP
Vote Set for Jan. 3 Could Make Rhode Island 11th Medical Marijuana State

January 2, 2006

Historic Veto Override Would Create First New Medical Marijuana Law Since June Supreme Court Ruling; National Medical Marijuana Leaders Available for Interviews

PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND -- Setting up a decision of potentially historic importance, Rhode Island legislative leaders have reportedly scheduled a vote to override Gov. Donald Carcieri's veto of medical marijuana legislation for Tuesday, January 3. If the override succeeds, it will make the Rhode Island the first state to enact medical marijuana legislation since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled last June that state medical marijuana laws do not provide protection from federal prosecution.

Last June, the Rhode Island House and Senate approved the Marijuana Policy Project's medical marijuana bill by wide margins, but Gov. Carcieri vetoed the measure. The Senate quickly overrode the veto, but the House recessed without taking action. The vote is now expected to be on Tuesday, Jan. 3, at approximately 2:00 p.m.

MPP Executive Director Rob Kampia and other MPP spokespeople will be available for interviews, radio, and TV appearances throughout the week to discuss the national implications of the vote.

For television interviews: Contact Rebecca Greenberg, MPP Assistant Director of Communications, 202-462-5747, ext. 115.

For print or radio interviews: Contact Bruce Mirken, MPP Director of Communications, 415-668- 6403.

With more than 19,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP works to minimize the harm associated with marijuana—both the consumption of marijuana and the laws that are intended to prohibit such use. MPP believes that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is imprisonment. For more information, please visit www.MarijuanaPolicy.org

http://www.mpp.org/releases/ma20060102.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #21 posted by FoM on January 01, 2006 at 08:03:22 PT
John Tyler
You're welcome. Drug testing has been a part of our life since 93. It really is annoying. My husband was randomed 3 times in a 12 month period.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #20 posted by John Tyler on January 01, 2006 at 07:59:35 PT
FOM
Thanks for checking for me. Northrop is a big government contractor and the Fed demands drug testing. We are gong to be hired in mass as part of the outsourcing deal. Nobody has said if testing will be part of the hiring process or if there will be periodic follow up tests. Just checking around to see if anyone had any experience with them.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #19 posted by Had Enough on December 31, 2005 at 08:08:56 PT
Summer Time Blues
When the House and Senate broke for the summer, each chamber technically "recessed" rather than "adjourning," which would have foreclosed coming back for other business.

Because the Senate already voted to override the veto of the medical marijuana bill before the summer recess, if the House musters the support of three-fifths of the members present and voting -- 45 if all 75 members show up -- the bill automatically becomes law. The final version of the bill passed the House in June on a 52-10 vote.

Sounds like Mr. Carcieri might be looking for a new job/position come election season in RI.

People of saddened intents can really cause a lot of problems. Vote them out.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #18 posted by FoM on December 31, 2005 at 07:55:48 PT
Mayan
I hope we can change it.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #17 posted by mayan on December 31, 2005 at 07:50:57 PT
Must Read
FoM, I'm afraid they've already committed to the agenda and we the people are the only ones who can stop them. Here's a very relevant piece from July...

A WAKE-UP CALL THE ALTERNATIVE AND LIBERAL MEDIA: STOP IGNORING 9/11 AND THE PROJECT FOR A NEW AMERICAN CENTURY: http://www.tvnewslies.org/html/stop_ignoring_9_11___pnac.html

SPREAD THE WORD...

150+ 9/11 'Smoking Guns' Found in the Mainstream Media: http://thewebfairy.com/killtown/911smokingguns.html

Unplug the War Machine By Facing the Truth of 9/11: http://www.911sharethetruth.com/

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #16 posted by FoM on December 31, 2005 at 07:18:33 PT
Mayan
I sure hope we don't invade any more countries. I follow what is going on from a prophetic point of view. Don't they know that messing with these countries could bring on the end of this world as we know it? Does oil matter that much? Why don't we worry about China or North Korea as much as we worry about the middle east?

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #15 posted by mayan on December 31, 2005 at 06:50:26 PT
Unrelated
Sorry, but it's now very likely that we'll be invading yet another country. What's between Iraq and Afghanistan? Iran. Those permanent bases surrounding Iran must be fully operational...

German media: U.S. preparing Iran strike http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20051230-124328-9385r

Let's Stop a US/Israeli War on Iran: http://counterpunch.org/christison12292005.html

I don't see how this next war is going to fly considering how everyone now knows the reasons for going into Iraq were all lies. Interestingly enough, another "terror attack" would solve that problem, boost Bush's approval rating(according to the rigged polls and parroted by the complicit media) which would also save the republicans in the mid-terms(if they're not postponed) and guarantee that the Patriot act be made permanent with no provisions protecting civil liberties! There are just too many birds that can be killed with one "stone" and I am very afraid for this world right now. I feel that any day this world could suddenly get a lot darker. Just who would benefit the most if there was another attack in the U.S. right now?

The PNAC agenda is moving full-steam ahead and the neo-cons will either be our masters or spend the rest of their lives in prison.

Below is a link to a very interesting piece regarding the Bushies tweaking the military chain of command by bumping civilian administration loyalists up a notch. Is Rumsfeld afraid of a military coup when the sh*t finally hits the fan? They are definitely getting ready for something...

Military services demoted in line of Pentagon succession: http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4296731&nav=F2DO



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #14 posted by Toker00 on December 31, 2005 at 06:45:02 PT
Hey JT, looks like it's time for the...
Whizzinator! Or, you could do like I did, refuse to be tested, refuse to deceive, and be forced to take minimal employment to retain self-choice. I can tell you, this way is not recommended if you MUST make a certain amount of money to support a certain lifestyle. Choosing to "Choose" can lead to Extreme Poverty, and it is intended this way. There were times I went for months without my medicine, but still I would not take a piss-test for employment. Some people call that hard-headed. I call it commitment to honesty. If they don't want me to work for them because I use what God gave me and I thank him for everyday, then I don't want to work for them, times ten.

You might get lucky, if you do go to work for them, and they might only test you initially, but not randomly. Only in case of accidents. You take a chance, but you still retain self-choice.

Good luck with your self.

Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #13 posted by FoM on December 30, 2005 at 22:45:43 PT
John Tyler
If this is the same company you will need to pass a drug test it says on this page.

http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/careers/coop.html

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #12 posted by ekim on December 30, 2005 at 22:16:11 PT
Rich please send this to Bill
Dear William F. Buckley, Jr. may i take this moment to again state in print how very proud of your 1996 National Review February 12 issue The War On Drugs Is Lost. (TWODIL). Makes me feel every time i recall the stories of YOU, Nadelmann, Schmoke, Sweet, McNamara, Szasz, Duke.

You had and have the vision of a more just way in which to treat oneanother. what a tombstone header. Will you give a update to your remarks you made to the New York Bar Association 10 years ago.

We ARE speaking of a plague that consumes an estimated $75 Billion per year of public money, extracts and estimated $70 Billion a year from consumers, is responsible for nearly 50 per cent of the million Americans are today in jail, occupies an estimated 50 per cent of trial time of our judiciary, and takes the time of 400,000 policemen--- yet a plague for which no cure is at hand, nor in prospect.

Is it possible to have a Ten Year edition of the twodil up for sale on Feb 12. The urgency is Mr. Kubby needs assistance now.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #11 posted by John Tyler on December 30, 2005 at 22:14:53 PT
off topic question
My IT group got outsourced to Northrop Grumman. We are being strongly encouraged to go to work for them. I’m worried about this for many reasons. Does anyone know what their drug testing policy is in this area? Their WEB site is not specific on this. My current employer has no testing. Thanks.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #10 posted by John Tyler on December 30, 2005 at 22:01:26 PT
Good start on the New Year
If this happens it certainly would be a great way to start off the New Year.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #9 posted by FoM on December 30, 2005 at 21:37:51 PT
Two JAMA Articles
Regulation of Medical Marijuana - Replies

By Rajiv Das, MD, MPH and Lawrence O. Gostin, JD, LLD (Hon) , Journal of the American Medical Association

December 29th, 2005

http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2957

***

Medical Marijuana, American Federalism, and the Supreme Court

By Lawrence O. Gostin, JD, LLD (Hon), Journal of the American Medical Association

December 29th, 2005

http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2956

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #8 posted by whig on December 30, 2005 at 20:49:58 PT
Picture of Zeta
With a little artistic license....

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #7 posted by whig on December 30, 2005 at 20:45:59 PT
Kula Shaker - Great Hosanna
If we stand here together

And we see the world as one

We may think there's no future

But it's the same for everyone

It's like the world has lost its head

And it's like all the prophets said

But will we arise to a new world

If we stand here together

We can laugh at what we've done

All our time has been wasted

And there's nowhere left to run

There may be trouble up ahead

Will we be sleeping in our beds

Or will we arise to a new world

Look for signs and portents

I'm looking for a reason to believe

Will we arise in our time

At the dawn of another meaning

Will we awake at the break of a great hosannah

Well if there's nothing left to do

Just hold your breath and hope it's true

That we'll arise

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by FoM on December 30, 2005 at 20:45:48 PT
Whig
I said to my sister around Christmas that it it might be wise for people to move away from the oceans since it will only get worse and the people in power now are more concerned about the oil that will be easier to access if the ice keeps melting in Alaska. She agreed with me. I would not live near the ocean or just above sea level.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #5 posted by whig on December 30, 2005 at 20:39:19 PT
ZetaZetaZeta
Another tropical storm, folks.

Signs and portents?

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #4 posted by FoM on December 30, 2005 at 20:34:11 PT
afterburner
Happy New Year!

I'd like to see a study like this. One person smokes one joint of high THC Cannabis and another person downs a shot of high powered alcohol like Rum. One joint against one shot and I know who would be fine and who would be done in and sick and staggering in no time. That would show that cannabis is less harmful then alcohol and alcohol is legal.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #3 posted by afterburner on December 30, 2005 at 20:25:01 PT
'staggering'
Two and one-half shots of hard liquor may be a 'staggering' amount, so why do they sell it in 40-ouncers?

I have a box of cereal that 'weighs' 650 grams, that's about 22.8 ounces. Woo, scary! Mega-'staggering.'



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #2 posted by FoM on December 30, 2005 at 19:45:16 PT
runruff
That made me smile. Thanks.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #1 posted by runruff on December 30, 2005 at 19:39:16 PT:

To many phobias.
Carcieri has a bad case of potaphobia. He should have that treated.

[ Post Comment ]

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