Senate To Vote on Medical Marijuana Legislation Today

The Rhode Island Senate is expected to vote today on new legislation that, if approved, could lead to the opening of medical marijuana centers, reports The Providence Journal. 

In March, legislative leaders announced they had reached a deal with Gov. Lincoln Chafee that would allow the state's first medical marijuana centers to open their doors, including one in Portsmouth.

The deal would place restrictions on medical marijuana centers or "compassion centers" currently being planned to open.

The House is also considering a similar bill, House Bill 7888, which is co-sponsored by Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Dist.70, Portsmouth, Tiverton). 

Last spring,  in Portsmouth was one of three medical marijuana centers, or compassion centers, in Rhode Island approved for licenses by the Department of Health.

But the process got put on hold by Gov. Chafee in May, after U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha issued a letter saying he did not support the centers.

Neronha has since issued another statement, saying  since the new deal. 

The bill is scheduled to be heard today at the State House.