R.I. Legalizes Marijuana Stores

In Rhode Island, they're getting ready to inhale: Overriding the objections of Republican Gov. Don Carcieri, Rhode Island has become the third state in America—and first in the East Coast—to permit marijuana sales for medical purposes. Joining California and New Mexico in giving ganja the legal 'go.' Rhode Island's House voted unanimously to override Carcieri's veto, while the Senate voted 35-3 to allow a regulated store for selling medical marijuana, reports NPR. To a standing ovation, Democratic Rep. Thomas Slater, who has cancer and says he will smoke marijuana for pain relief, explained the law's logic: "This gives a safe haven for those who have to go into the seedy areas to try and get marijuana. I think that this center will definitely help those who most need it." In California, patients can buy marijuana at licensed stores; in New Mexico, medical marijuana growers are licensed. Legislation similar to Rhode Island's is under consideration in Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. Arizona and Maine both have ballot initiatives coming up on the use of medical marijuana.