Decision Likely Next week on R.I. 'Compassion Centers'
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island Health Department officials are poring over written statements and other correspondence concerning proposed changes to a state statute that would make medical marijuana available through compassion centers.
Annemarie Beardsworth, spokeswoman for the state agency, said that the public had until Feb. 16 to submit written comments. She said that officials are reviewing the submissions and they are expected to issue their findings no later than next week.
Proposed amendments to the lengthy medical-marijuana statute seek to create up to three compassion centers in the state where registered patients can get the drug in various forms. The first center, if the amendments are accepted, could open sometime this spring. But, before that can happen, the Health Department would have to screen the applicant and the proposed site for the compassion center. A primary concern would be the building's security system, officials have said.
Beardsworth said that Health Department officials have four options after they are done reviewing the public comments:
- They that approve the draft to establish the compassion centers with no changes
- Minor changes, such as rephrasing or rewording certain passages, can be done.
- Substantial editing and an overhaul of the legislation. If that happens, the department would have to hold more public hearings and delay the opening of the first compassion center.
- The Health Department could abandon the entire concept of opening any compassion center.
If the amended statute is accepted and filed, it becomes law within 20 days.
The point of the compassion centers is to expand the number of places where patients can go to get marijuana to treat a variety of illnesses including back pain, nausea and seizures.
State officials say there are 966 licensed marijuana growers and providers supplying 1,227 patients who have been approved by the Health Department statewide.
