House Approves Medical Marijuana Law
PROVIDENCE, R.I. House lawmakers vote to make the state's medical marijuana program permanent. The bill passed by a 51-to-12 vote yesterday. That margin is wide enough to survive a possible veto from Governor Carcieri.
Under the program, patients with cancer, AIDS and other debilitating illnesses are currently permitted to smoke marijuana to ease their symptons. The program expires June 30th unless lawmakers extend it. Selling and possessing marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
House spokesman Larry Berman says the bill will likely go to Carcieri's desk next week after the Senate votes on an identical measure. Carcieri has threatened to veto the legislation.
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