R.I. Senate to vote on expanding medical marijuana program

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island's Senate plans to vote on a proposal allowing up to three nonprofit stores to sell marijuana to chronically ill patients registered with the state.

The vote, originally set for Tuesday, was pushed back until Thursday after lawmakers fought over revisions that would ban patients from smoking marijuana near other people or inside motor vehicles.

Sen. Rhoda Perry, the bill's sponsor, says the amendments are insulting to chronically ill patients and she wants them removed. But she says a compromise may be reached to satisfy people who have safety concerns.

If approved, the bill would head to House lawmakers. Rhode Island became the eleventh state to legalize marijuana for pain relief in 2006. The drug remains illegal under federal law.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)