USA: Rhode Island became the 11th state to legalise the medical use of cannabis

On 3 January Rhode Island became the 11th state to legalize medical cannabis. The state House of Representatives voted 59-13, with one abstention, to override a veto by Governor Don Carcieri, allowing people with illnesses such as cancer and AIDS to grow up to 12 cannabis plants or buy 2.5 ounces (about 70 grams) of marijuana to relieve their symptoms. The law requires them to register with the state and get a photo identification card.

www.cannabis-med.org

IACM-Bulletin of 08 January 2006

Federal law prohibits any use of cannabis, but Maine, Vermont, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Oregon and Washington passed state laws that allow it to be grown and used for medicinal purposes. Rhode Island’s medical cannabis law is the third to be enacted by a state legislature. The other eight states passed ballot initiatives on this issue.

Rhode Island lawmakers passed their medical cannabis bill on 7 June 2005. Carcieri vetoed it, but the state Senate voted the next day to override his veto. An override of a governor’s veto requires votes from three-fifths of the lawmakers in both chambers. Now the House followed, allowing the law to take effect immediately.

(Source: Associated Press of 3 January 2006)