Lawless Applauds General Assembly’s Passage of Medical Marijuana Act, Highlights Difference with Langevin

WARWICK, RI – Earlier today, the Rhode Island House passed the Edward O. Hawkins Medical Marijuana Act. The bill would provide relief for Rhode Islanders ailing from debilitating illnesses, such as cancer, glaucoma, and AIDS. The Rhode Island Senate approved similar legislation on June 6 by a 34-2 vote. If signed into law by Governor Carcieri, the bill would make Rhode Island the 11th state to protect patients, their caregivers, and doctors from arrest under state drug laws.

Though concerned with the means by which the drug would be distributed under the legislation, Lawless voiced her support for the bill’s overall sentiment. “While I believe the kinks in this particular bill’s method of distribution still need to be worked out, I applaud the General Assembly for taking steps to alleviate pain and suffering for thousands of Rhode Islanders.”

The citizens of Rhode Island clearly support the Medical Marijuana Act. A March 2004 Zogby International poll shows that Rhode Island residents overwhelmingly support a bill that would allow people with certain serious illnesses to take marijuana for medical purposes, as long as their physician approves.

“We need leaders in Washington who are going to champion the causes that Rhode Islanders care about,” Lawless said. “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.”