RHODE ISLAND:

APPLICATIONS FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Chronically ill patients who want to use medicinal marijuana began
submitting applications under a new state law. In January, Rhode
Island became the first state to sanction the use of medical
marijuana since the Supreme Court ruled that the authorities could
prosecute marijuana users, even in states that allow it to be used
medicinally. Four people submitted applications, and 51 others are
being completed, said Maria Wah-Fitta, a spokeswoman for the Rhode
Island Department of Health. The state has 30 days to verify with a
physician that the patient is eligible for the program. A patient and
a caretaker can possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana or up to 12
plants. The patient and caretaker must carry cards that identify them
as part of the program at all times.