Medical marijuana bill heads to Senate

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI/AP) - Rhode Islanders who use marijuana for medical needs may soon be able to obtain the drug legally.

So-called "Compassion Centers" would provide the marijuana, according to a bill that is currently being debated at the Rhode Island State House. The Senate Committee on Health and Human Services passed the bill Wednesday. The bill will now head to the full Senate for a vote.

Advocates of the bill say that patients need a legal source to provide marijuana for medical use. Critics of the bill have concerns that drug laws would be weakened by its passage.

Last year, a similar bill passed in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Republican Governor Donald Carcieri vetoed that bill. His office would not comment on any plans to veto a bill this year, but tell Eyewitness News that he continues to strongly oppose the legislation.