GENERAL ASSEMBLY UPDATE

Here are the highlights from news and events that took place in the
General Assembly last week. For more information on any of these
items visit www.rilin.state.ri.us/News.

House Approves Medical Marijuana Bill

The House approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Thomas C. Slater
(D-Dist. 10, Providence) to allow the medicinal use of marijuana in
Rhode Island. The House was also scheduled to take up the Senate
version of the bill, sponsored by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry (D-Dist. 3,
Providence), Friday. The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater
Medical Marijuana Act (2005-H 6052Aaa and 2005-S 0710Aaa) would
protect patients with debilitating medical conditions, and their
physicians and primary caregivers from arrest and prosecution under
state law if they engage in the medical use of marijuana.