Rhode Island Legalizes Medical Marijuana

On January 3, 2006, Rhode Island became the 11th state to allow patients suffering from debilitating illnesses to seek relief through the use of medical marijuana. The bill allows patients suffering from serious illnesses -- including AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and others -- and their caretakers to possess and grow medical marijuana for personal use, with the approval of a doctor.

Despite the General Assembly’s action, and polls that show nearly 70% of Rhode Islanders in favor of the measure, Representative Langevin has repeatedly refused to support federal protections for medical marijuana patients.

Jen stands with the people of Rhode Island in support of federal legislation protecting patients who seek relief through the use of medical marijuana. In a June statement Lawless said,

“We need leaders in Washington who are going to champion the causes that Rhode Islanders care about. Congressman Langevin has demonstrated time and again that he is not a proponent of legislation that would permit medical marijuana to be used to provide effective and safe relief to patients with serious illnesses. I don’t think it should be a crime for people to follow their doctors’ orders.”

To read Jen’s press release on medical marijuana Click Here