Chafee puts medical pot program on hold

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Gov. Lincoln Chafee has suspended the state's medical marijuana dispensary program after a federal prosecutor warned that it could violate federal law .

Chafee announced Monday that the state will hold off giving final permits to three groups picked by the state to supply marijuana through the state's medical marijuana program. The so-called "compassion centers" had hoped to receive final state approval this summer.

Chafee, an independent, says he'll use the indefinite delay to consult with governors of states with similar medical marijuana dispensary programs. Most of those states also received warning letters from federal authorities.

Rhode Island's U.S. Attorney wrote Chafee on Friday to warn that dispensaries could be prosecuted for violating federal drug laws even if they operate with state permission.