RI Gov. Chafee pulls plug on pot stores

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Gov. Chafee has decided to kill the proposal to open three medical marijuana dispensaries in the state.

In a statement released to Eyewitness News on Thursday afternoon the governor said, 'After much internal and external discussion and research, I have decided that the State of Rhode Island cannot proceed with the licensing and regulation of medical marijuana compassion centers under current law."

The move comes after months of delays from state leaders on how to proceed issuing licenses to the dispensaries chosen. The Department of Health selected three dispensaries last spring.

• RI Medical marjuana centers legalized

Rhode Island currently has a card and caregiver law in place for distributing medical marijuana to patients in need. Thousands of patients currently participate in the state program.

• 3 RI Centers selected to sell medical marijuana

Gov. Chafee continued, "Unfortunately, Rhode Island’s compassion center law is illegal under paramount federal law. And, while the United States Attorney in each district is given some discretion in the local enforcement of federal laws, I have received communications from both the United States Department of Justice and from the United States Attorney for the District of Rhode Island that large scale commercial operations such as Rhode Island’s compassion centers will be potential targets of “vigorous” criminal and civil enforcement efforts by the federal government."

Chafee also said that he will stay committed to improving the existing medical marijuana cultivation and distribution system in Rhode Island and he's hopeful that the General Assembly will introduce new legislation to address the current flaws.