LdyLunatic
03-02-2006, 01:24 AM
Providence, R.I. -- Rhode Islanders are moving a step closer to acquiring marijuana for medical use.
The Health Department intends to start issuing registration cards on April 3 to allow patients with certain illnesses and their caregivers to grow limited amounts of marijuana. Rhode Island last month became the 11th state to allow sick people to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
But federal law still bans it, and so far no state has found a way for patients to legally, conveniently and safely acquire it.
The bill passed by the General Assembly restricts the use to patients with illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma, AIDS and hepatitis C. The patients would have to obtain certification from their doctors before they can apply for the cards.
With the cards, patients or their primary caregivers can possess no more than 12 plants and 2.5 ounces per patient. A caregiver can only help five or less patients obtain the drug.
At a brief hearing Tuesday, five people spoke out, mostly objecting to a proposed $75 registration fee. Steve Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, suggested charging lower fees for those on public assistance, similar to a system in Oregon.
Source: Associated Press (Wire)
Published: March 1, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Associated Press
The Health Department intends to start issuing registration cards on April 3 to allow patients with certain illnesses and their caregivers to grow limited amounts of marijuana. Rhode Island last month became the 11th state to allow sick people to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
But federal law still bans it, and so far no state has found a way for patients to legally, conveniently and safely acquire it.
The bill passed by the General Assembly restricts the use to patients with illnesses such as cancer, glaucoma, AIDS and hepatitis C. The patients would have to obtain certification from their doctors before they can apply for the cards.
With the cards, patients or their primary caregivers can possess no more than 12 plants and 2.5 ounces per patient. A caregiver can only help five or less patients obtain the drug.
At a brief hearing Tuesday, five people spoke out, mostly objecting to a proposed $75 registration fee. Steve Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union, suggested charging lower fees for those on public assistance, similar to a system in Oregon.
Source: Associated Press (Wire)
Published: March 1, 2006
Copyright: 2006 Associated Press