R.I. Senate compassion center vote delayed; more time to talk to your senator

The Rhode Island Senate ended up delaying the vote on compassion center legislation yesterday. The good news is that you have more time to e-mail or call your state senator and to urge other supporters of medical marijuana access to do likewise.

It looks like supporters may once again need to override a veto by the governor. So it would be very helpful if S.B. 2693 passes by a veto-proof margin. It's more crucial than ever that your senator hear from you. As we saw yesterday, a vote can be scheduled with very little notice, so please don't put off contacting your state senator. Our automated system will also send your letter to your state representative.

If you are a patient or a doctor who is interested in writing the entire Senate, please e-mail Karen@mpp.org.

In 2006 and 2007, the Rhode Island General Assembly recognized that patients should be able to use marijuana with their doctors' approval. They passed and made permanent the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act with more than 80% of the vote, over Gov. Don Carcieri's vetoes. As a result, over 350 seriously ill Rhode Islanders are registered to use medical marijuana. But many of these patients have been unable to find steady access to their medicine. At least three have been mugged after resorting to buying their medicine on the streets.

S.B. 2693, sponsored by Sen. Rhoda Perry (D-Providence), would change this. It would create no more than three well-regulated, nonprofit compassion centers, which could provide registered patients with medical marijuana. The bill has strong and influential support — including the state nurses and doctors associations. Committees have heard compelling testimony from doctors and patients organized by the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition. But it's vital that legislators also hear from their own constituents. So, please don't forget to write and call your legislators, and to ask your friends and family to follow suit.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project, our allies, and Rhode Island's seriously ill patients.