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| R.I. Gets First Marijuana Application |
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Posted by CN Staff on April 05, 2006 at 09:37:52 PT By Ray Henry, Associated Press Writer Source: Associated Press 
Providence, R.I. -- A multiple sclerosis patient who hopes to use marijuana to ease the painful symptoms of her disease became the first person to ask the state for permission to legally use the drug.Rhonda O'Donnell submitted her two-page application and a $75 check to the Department of Health on Wednesday. Once the department confirms her doctor's diagnosis, she will be issued a photo ID card and will be allowed to buy or carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana. "I am just so thankful that our legislators have been compassionate enough to care about the disabled," she said. Rhode Island in January became the 11th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. The drug remains illegal under federal law, and those who get permission from the state could still be prosecuted by federal officials. Maria Wah-Fitta, a spokeswoman for the health department, said the agency has mailed out between 50 to 60 applications to people who hope to get permission to use marijuana. She said it would take several days to issue O'Donnell's ID card. Applicants must provide certification from a doctor in Rhode Island that says marijuana may mitigate their symptoms. They also can designate someone to grow or buy marijuana for them, and those under 18 may use the drug if they get permission from a parent or legal guardian. The program does not provide people with marijuana, and does not say how people can get the drug. The Medical Marijuana Program will end on June 30, 2007 unless the General Assembly renews it. Legislators overrode a veto by Gov. Don Carcieri to pass the law. On the Web: Rhode Island's Medical Marijuana Program: http://www.health.ri.gov/hsr/mmp/index.php Source: Associated Press (Wire) Related Articles: Rhode Island Launches Medical Marijuana Program Registration Date in April for Marijuana Use Medical Marijuana is Victory for Patients Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #5 posted by OverwhelmSam on April 06, 2006 at 05:56:00 PT |
| That's okay, they're still taking casualties too. Police, politicians and governments are getting killed, sued and fired over drug law enforcement. I'm sure the prohibitionists see this merely as collateral damage. Too bad the prohibition supporters who get caught up in the mechanics don't realize they're taking one for the team. Poetic justice for these punishment mongers. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #4 posted by whig on April 05, 2006 at 16:17:10 PT |
| One step forward, a half step back. We're winning, but we're still taking casualties. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #3 posted by medicinal toker on April 05, 2006 at 15:54:50 PT |
| pretty upbeat assessment. you must be pretty new at this! [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by whig on April 05, 2006 at 11:33:43 PT |
| I think the odds are good the program will be renewed as a matter of course, once there is a registry of patients and a political fall-out would occur from cutting off their medicine. While this doesn't much trouble the feds, at the state level, and particularly in a tiny state like Rhode Island, they can hardly fail to feel close-to-home for the voters. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by medicinal toker on April 05, 2006 at 11:16:39 PT |
| "The Medical Marijuana Program will end on June 30, 2007 unless the General Assembly renews it. Legislators overrode a veto by Gov. Don Carcieri to pass the law." This is pretty strange. After the veto, etc., what are the chances of smoothly renewing the law after patients have provided evidence of possession, cultivation and use. This potentially puts patients in major jeopardy if the law expires. One has to wonder who put this language in.... [ Post Comment ] |
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