R.I. Assembly Overrides Veto of Marijuana Dispensary Bill

The Rhode Island House of Representatives and Senate overrode Gov. Donald L. Carcieri’s veto of legislation that would allow state-licensed “compassion centers” to sell marijuana to patients with chronic pain and other debilitating diseases, the Providence Journal reported June 17.  

“For the more than 600 Rhode Islanders who rely on medical marijuana to help relieve the unimaginable suffering that some diseases cause, or to relieve their nausea enough to take food, this will provide not only relief and safety, but also dignity,” said Rep. Thomas C. Slater (D-Providence), who sponsored the bill in the House and is also battling advanced cancer. 

Amy Kempe, a spokesperson for Carcieri, said the governor is concerned about the safety of patients using the compassion centers. “The administration believes there are a lot of issues that should be looked at legislatively before we proceed,” she said. “They’re easy targets, walking out with medicinal marijuana — two blocks later they’re being mugged.” 

Slater promised “constant oversight” of the centers.