RIPAC E-News
May 2010 Edition
RI Patient Advocacy Coalition
May 2010 Edition
RI Patient Advocacy Coalition
Welcome to the monthly newsletter of the RI Patient Advocacy Coalition (RIPAC), the medical marijuana community of Rhode Island! Visit our website, www.RIpatients.org.
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In this issue:
1. THE SIXTH NATIONAL CLINICAL CANNABIS CONFERENCE A SUCCESS
2. 24 HOUR PATIENT VERIFICATION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
3. BILL INTRODUCED TO BLOCK DOH FROM RELEASING DOCTOR NAMES
4. DEADLINE FOR COMPASSION CENTER APPLICANTS IS MAY 17
5. TIPS FOR PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS
6. RIPAC OFFERS PATIENT AND CAREGIVER ORIENTATIONS
7. MAY PATIENT, COMMUNITY, AND REGIONAL MEETINGS
1. THE SIXTH NATIONAL CLINICAL CANNABIS CONFERENCE A SUCCESS
- Thanks to all the RIPAC volunteers who ensured the success of the sixth annual clinical cannabis conference. Presenters and attendees from all over the world came together to hear the latest findings in cannabis research. DVDs of the conference will be available this summer. For local press coverage click here.
- Upgrades in the Department of Health's computer system will make it possible for law enforcement to verify patient and caregiver licenses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Senator Rhoda Perry and Representative Scott Slater recently filed a bill to ensure that the Department of Health stops releasing physician names. A hearing date on the bill has not yet been scheduled. To read the text of the bill click here.
- Nonprofit organizations who wish to apply for one of three Compassion Center licenses must submit their applications by May 17. Click here for the application and more information.
- We have heard that some patients and caregivers believe that if they are over their limits, the police will merely confiscate the excess plants. This is NOT TRUE. The Medical Marijuana Act creates a safe harbor for licensed patients and caregivers. You must be within the limits to have the protection of the law. If you are over your limit, then the Medical Marijuana Act will not protect you and you may be prosecuted as if you don't have a license.
- Are you a newly licensed medical marijuana patient or caregiver? Schedule a RIPAC Orientation.
- A RIPAC Patient Orientation is a one-on-one meeting with a RIPAC staff member or volunteer to explain the Medical Marijuana Act and answer questions. Patients get advice on choosing and interviewing caregivers. Contact RIPAC and request a Patient Orientation.
- A RIPAC Caregiver Orientation is a one-on-one meeting with a RIPAC staff member or volunteer to explain the Medical Marijuana Act and answer questions. We encourage patients to ask would-be caregivers whether they've attended an orientation. Contact RIPAC and request a Caregiver Orientation.
- Community Meeting: 6:30-8:00pm Tuesday, May 11th will be our open Community Meeting for patients, caregivers, advocates, and anyone else interested in learning more about medical marijuana. Please note that this month’s Community Meeting will be at the usual location at The Office of Family Service, 55 Hope St., Providence.
- Patient Meeting: 7:00-8:30pm Tuesday, May 25 will be our Patient Meeting for licensed patients and their caregivers only. Caregivers are welcome at the invitation of their patients; patients should call to inform us if their caregivers are invited. Call us at 861-1601.
- Regional Meetings: Only patients living in South County are welcome at the South County Regional Meeting from 7:00-8:30pm Thursday, May 20. The Newport County Regional Meetings are in Middletown on the first Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8:30. The next one will be held on June 1. Patients from Tiverton and Little Compton are also invited. Call us for directions to the at 861-1601. The East Bay Regional Meeting is discontinued temporarily. Caregivers are welcome at regional meetings when accompanied by their registered patients(s).
Wishing you a happy and healthy month,
RIPAC
www.RIpatients.org
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