R.I. medical marijuana patient radio ad urges House to act

In a gripping radio ad MPP began airing this week, registered medical marijuana patient George Des Roches asks, "Have you ever had a gun held at you to buy your medicine? I have, seven times."

You can listen to the ad here.

George is one of the many patients who have not been able to safely access the medicine they need and that their doctors recommend — medical marijuana. He urges Rhode Islanders to contact their representatives to ask the House to pass compassion center legislation designed to provide Rhode Island's seriously ill patients with safe access to the medicine their doctors recommend. The Senate passed the legislation on May 15, but so far, the House has not committed to taking up the bill.

Please contact your state representative to express your support for the compassion center bills. Then, please urge your friends and family to follow suit. This legislation can pass, but representatives need to hear that their constituents care about the issue.

The compassion center legislation would allow up to three state-regulated nonprofit organizations to dispense medical marijuana to registered patients. It would eliminate the need to obtain medical marijuana from dangerous and illicit sources.

A new poll shows that 69% of Rhode Islanders support the bill. Thanks to the terrific organizing by the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition (an MPP grantee), the bill also has the support of the state medical and nurses associations, as well as the Rhode Island State Council of Churches; the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Rhode Island Chapter; and the Rhode Island Office of the Public Defender.

Thank you for your support and compassion. Please forward this alert on to others in Rhode Island so, together, we can ensure that Rhode Island's patients can obtain safe and legal access to medical marijuana.