R.I. APPROVES MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA

PROVIDENCE -- Rhode Island became the 11th state yesterday to legalize
medical marijuana and the first since the US Supreme Court ruled in
June that patients who use the drug can still be prosecuted under
federal law.

House lawmakers voted 59 to 13 to override a veto by Governor Don
Carcieri, allowing people with illnesses such as cancer and AIDS to
grow up to 12 marijuana plants or buy 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana to
relieve their symptoms.

The law requires them to register with the state and get a photo
identification card.

Federal law prohibits any use of marijuana, but Maine, Vermont,
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and
Washington allow it to be grown and used for medicinal purposes.

The Supreme Court ruled on June 6 that people who smoke marijuana
because their doctors recommend it can still be prosecuted under
federal drug laws. US authorities say they were unlikely to prosecute
many medicinal users.