HOUSE SHOULD OVERRIDE MEDICAL MARIJUANA VETO

To The Editor

As the executive director of AIDS Project Rhode Island, the state's oldest
provider of HIV care, prevention and advocacy, and on behalf of the
thousands of Rhode Islanders living with HIV/AIDS on whose behalf we
advocate, I urge the Rhode Island House of Representatives to take up the
Rhode Island Medical Marijuana bill as their first order of business on
Jan. 3 and to join the state Senate in overriding the governor's misguided
veto of this sensible, humane bill

Legalizing the use of medical marijuana is a compassionate means of
alleviating pain and discomfort for Rhode Islanders who suffer from chronic
illnesses such as HIV. For many, such relief is almost impossible to get
from pharmaceuticals that are currently on the market.

Over the past few years, we have worked with other providers and advocates
to bring the medical marijuana bill to where it is today. Through the
committee process, we have added the safeguards needed to ensure that
medical marijuana brings much needed relief to those who need it without
causing harm to others. Rhode Island's medical marijuana bill is a strong
piece of legislation, worthy of becoming law.

Unfortunately, we only have a very small window of opportunity in order to
bring medical marijuana to Rhode Island. If the House adjourns the 2005
session on Jan.3 without taking up the veto, we will be forced to begin the
entire process again, further delaying much needed relief for people with
illnesses such as end-stage AIDS.

I appreciate the support that the leadership of the House has always
provided to issues important to people living with HIV and I look forward
to their support again this time.

Christopher A. Butler

Executive director

AIDS Project Rhode Island

Providence