MARIJUANA BILL ADVANCES IN R.I.

PROVIDENCE -- A bill that would allow patients with serious diseases
to grow and smoke marijuana continued its advance through the General
Assembly, winning overwhelming support from House lawmakers
yesterday. Qualifying patients suffering from such diseases as 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.

Under the bill, patients would be able to possess up to 12 marijuana
plants or 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana.

Supporters say it provides a compassionate way to ease the pain of the
seriously ill. But some questioned a provision allowing people to grow
the drug in their homes.

The House Health, Education and Welfare Committee was expected to take
a Senate bill and conform it with the House version. That bill would
then return to both chambers.

Governor Don Carcieri has threatened to veto the bill. But legislators
said it had enough votes to override a veto.