Medical Marijuana Supporters Rally for Governor to Open Dispensaries

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.

According to a report by The Providence Journal, the executive director of the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition said at the rally that they're considering legal action to force Gov. Lincoln Chafee to issue the licenses.

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.

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, intends to open his non-profit medical marijuana center at 200 Highpoint Ave., Unit B-6, in Portsmouth.