Gov. Carcieri vetoes compassion center study, marijuana sentencing reform

Last Wednesday, Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) sunk to a new low in his hostility toward protecting medical marijuana patients. He vetoed H 7888, which wouldn't even change state law; it would simply set up a study commission on medical marijuana access. Please ask your legislators to override this veto.

H 7888, sponsored by Rep. Thomas Slater, provides that a 13-member commission, including medical professionals, patient advocates, and legislators, would study the issues relating to medical marijuana and access. The commission would report to the legislature with recommendations by the end of January.

H 7888 was amended from its original form, which would have allowed up to three compassion centers. Compassion centers would provide patients with safe and legal access to their medicine. They would ensure that patients would no longer have to risk the streets if they cannot grow their own medicine or find a reliable caregiver. Patients and advocates are hoping that next year, once they have studied the issue, the General Assembly will pass a compassion center bill.

This is the third time Gov. Carcieri has vetoed a medical marijuana proposal. Twice before, the General Assembly has overridden his veto to protect patients. In January 2006, it passed the medical marijuana law over the governor's veto. And last year, it made the law permanent.

In addition to the compassion center bill, Gov. Carcieri vetoed twin bills that would reform draconian marijuana sentences — S 2232 and H 8025. Currently, Rhode Island law provides for 20-year mandatory minimums to life in prison for certain marijuana and drug offenses. On June 23, Gov. Carcieri vetoed the bills to reduce the maximum sentences, which the General Assembly had overwhelmingly passed.

The General Assembly is not currently in session, but they can return for overrides. Please take a moment to ask your legislators to encourage a prompt override vote. The commission only has until January to complete its report and study this issue, so time is of the essence. There is some question as to whether Carcieri even had the authority to veto the bill.

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