Compassion centers: ones step closer

Dear MPP Supporter: In June, the Rhode Island General Assembly overwhelmingly overrode Gov. Carcieri’s veto of a bill to allow regulated compassion centers to dispense medical marijuana. The new law required the Rhode Island Department of Health to develop rules and regulations for the registration and oversight of compassion centers. Although it took a bit longer than we anticipated, the Department of Health has finally released their latest draft rules and regulations, amended from earlier released draft regulations. Visit the Rhode Island Department of Health regulations and laws Web site  to view the amended regulations and draft application guidelines. These rules and regulations are still considered "draft" as they await final department approval. Before they can finalize the rules, the Department of Health is required by Rhode Island law to hold a public hearing on the draft regulations. This hearing will be on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Rhode Island Department of Health (lower level of the Cannon Building at Three Capitol Hill in Providence). We here at the Marijuana Policy Project have reviewed the draft language, and while we find they are generally considerate of patients’ needs we advocate a few changes to the draft applications. First, in contrast to the law, the draft application guidelines indicate that the department can approve zero applications, even if qualified applicants exist. We will request that the compassion center application language be clarified to require the department of health to register at least one compassion center shortly after the rules are finalized, and at least two more no later than June 2012 if applicants exist that meet the statutory requirements. Second, we are requesting a revision to the point system so that applicants are only excluded for having fewer than 70 points if at least one applicant receives 70 or more points. Otherwise, the department could end up registering no compassion centers even if a compassion center met the statutory requirements. Finally, we will urge the department to speed up the time frame, which is currently drafted to not allow a compassion center to be licensed until July or later. The statute called for the first registration to be granted in December. We encourage you to attend and to encourage the department to finalize the rules in accordance with these recommendations and move forward with the process as quickly as possible to allow patients to have safe access to their medicine. Be sure to be polite and respectful and to dress professionally. Your support and patience in this process has been crucial. With your help, Rhode Island has developed one of the best medical marijuana programs in the country: a tightly regulated system that protects Ocean State residents from arrest and prosecution while granting those same individuals legal access to medicine recommended by their physician. Thank you so much, Rhode Island. You are certainly an example for the rest of the country! Sincerely, Robert J. Capecchi Legislative Analyst, State Policies Marijuana Policy Project P.S. Please pass this alert on to friends and family, so that they, too, can speak out for sensible and fairer marijuana laws.