tfs

As threatened, Governor Donald Carcieri of Rhode Island vetoed a bill that would allow three dispensaries called compassion centers to be set up that would sell medical marijuana to chronically ill patients.

Carcieri said in his veto message:

Although the intent of the legislation is to allow consenting adults to use marijuana only for medicinal purposes based on illness, the increased availability, along with a complacent attitude, will no doubt result in increased usage, and will negatively impact the children of Rhode Island.

Rhoda E. Perry, the Senate sponsor of the bill wasn’t worried:

I believe we have the intent and the numbers to override the veto.

Perry was right because they easily overrode the veto with votes of 68-0 in the House and 35-3 in the Senate.

Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C. said:

We are seeing a historic shift to allowing state-licensed, regulated medical marijuana production and distribution. [...] Combining regulated distribution with provisions for patients to grow a limited quantity for themselves is the best way to assure safe access for patients, with solid safeguards to prevent abuse.

Despite what the Governor believes about the dispensaries being at risk for prosecution by the federal government, the override of this veto shows the true power of politics and that those “checks and balances” do eventually come into play.

[Thanks, Bruce!]