R.I. HOUSE PASSES MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- A bill that would allow patients with serious
diseases to smoke and grow marijuana continued its advance through
the General Assembly, winning overwhelming support from House
lawmakers last week. Qualifying patients suffering from diseases
like cancer, AIDS and Hepatitis C would be shielded from arrest and
prosecution under the bill, which passed 52-10. Their doctors and
physicians also would be protected.

Rhode Island would become the 11th state to authorize the medical use
of marijuana, according to the legislation. If approved, the bill
could put the state at odds with the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled
earlier this month that medical marijuana users can be prosecuted
under federal law even if their home states allow use of the
drug. Under the bill, patients would be able to possess up to 12
marijuana plants or 2 1/2 ounces of usable marijuana under the legislation.