Politics & Government

Gov. Lincoln Chafee Pulls Plug on Medical Marijuana Program

Gov. Lincoln Chafee announced Thursday that the state's medical marijuana program cannot proceed "under current law," according to The Providence Journal.

Gov. Lincoln Chafee is pulling the plug on the state's medical marijauan program, according to The Providence Journal

On Thursday, Chafee announced the state's medical marijuana program cannot proceed "under current law," according to The Journal's article. 

Advocates for medical marijuana dispensaries rallied at the Rhode Island State House Tuesday to try and convince the governor to give the OK to three compassion centers previously approved for a license.

Find out what's happening in Portsmouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Last spring,  in Portsmouth was one of three in Rhode Island approved for licenses by the Department of Health.

But the process got put on hold by Gov. Lincoln Chafee in May, after U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha issued a letter saying he did not support the centers. At the time, Chafee said he wanted to discuss the issue with other governors before making a final call.

Find out what's happening in Portsmouthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Dr. Bock told Patch then that he supported the governor's decision, and that he hoped Chafee's conversations with other state leaders led to a "larger movement in getting the federal government on a program to help patients."

Bock, who owns and operates the Newport Acupuncture and Wellness Spa in Middletown, intended to open his non-profit medical marijuana center at 200 Highpoint Ave., Unit B-6, in Portsmouth.


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