Media Release

For: Immediate Release
Date: March 31, 2006
Contact: Carol Hall-Walker 401-222-2589

Medical Marijuana Program Regulations Filed

The Rhode Island Department of Health has taken steps to implement the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) as directed by the General Assembly. The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act was enacted on January 3, 2006.

The regulations were filed with the Secretary of State today and the application is available online at www.health.ri.gov/hsr/mmp/index.php, or people may get an application at Room 104 of the Department of Health at 3 Capitol Hill, Providence RI, 02908.

Only Rhode Island-licensed physicians will be able to issue a certification of eligibility.

To be registered as a medical marijuana program participant, qualifying patients must submit their physician’s written certification form stating the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition or conditions.

“Debilitating medical condition” means cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Hepatitis C, or the treatment of specific conditions., including chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating, chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy: or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or agitation of Alzheimer’s disease; and any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department, as provided for in section 21-28.6-5 of the Rhode Island General Laws.

Once the card is issued the patient and/or caregiver may possess a limited amount of marijuana without violating state law. The law does not alter federal statutes and regulations prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana. Patients and their registered caregivers must have a registry identification card on them.

There is an application fee of $75.00, unless the applicant can show evidence that he or she is a recipient of SSI or Medicaid, at which point the fee will be reduced to $10.00. The Department of Health is only able to take checks or money orders, not cash or credit cards. The Department has 30 days to verify and approve the application.

For more information, go to www.health.ri.gov/hsr/mmp/index.php or call 401-222-2828 during regular business hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.