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.

Newshawk: Richard Lake
Pubdate: Thu, 06 Apr 2006
Source: New York Times (NY)
Section: National Briefing
Copyright: 2006 The New York Times Company
Contact: letters@nytimes.com
Website: http://www.nytimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298
Author: Katie Zezima