RIPAC: Medical Marijuana in Rhode Island

RIPAC E-News
July 2007 Edition
RI Patient Advocacy Coalition

Welcome to the newsletter of the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition (RIPAC)! Visit our website, www.RIpatients.org ...
with updated Tips for Patients section.

In this issue:
1. RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT IS NOW PERMANENT!
2. THANK YOUR CONGRESSMEN FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA VOTES
3. GREAT MEDIA COVERAGE OF RI PATIENTS MIKE AND RHONDA
4. RIPAC FUNDRAISER PARTY A FUN-RAISING SUCCESS
5. NATIONAL DEBUT OF MARIJUANA FILM "THE UNION" IN RI 8/9/07
6. NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING AND CARDHOLDER MEETING

1. RHODE ISLAND MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT IS NOW PERMANENT!

On June 21, 2007, the RI House of Representatives overrode the Governor's veto by a vote of 58-11, making the Medical Marijuana Act a permanent Rhode Island law. The RI Senate overrode 29-4 on June 20.
Now RI patients don't need to fear the expiration of our state's protections for the use of doctor-recommended medicine. Thanks to all the patients and advocates who raised their voices in favor!

2. THANK YOUR CONGRESSMEN FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA VOTES

On July 25, the United States House of Representatives voted on the Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment, which would have protected states' medical marijuana patients from federal arrest. The amendment failed 165-262, but both RI Reps voted in favor.
Please call 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with Rep. Langevin's office. Then call again and ask for Rep. Kennedy's office. Tell each office: "I'm calling to thank the Representative for his compassionate "YES" vote on the Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment!"

3. GREAT MEDIA COVERAGE OF RI PATIENTS MIKE AND RHONDA

On July 11, East Bay Newspapers published a great story on Barrington patient Mike Oliver. On July 16, they also printed a letter-to-editor by nurse/caregiver Joanne D'Orlando.
This month the medical marijuana documentary "In Pot We Trust" was released, starring Hopkinton patient Rhonda O'Donnell! You can watch "In Pot We Trust" on Showtime-On-Demand until August 6th.

4. RIPAC FUNDRAISER PARTY A FUN-RAISING SUCCESS

On July 7, RI Patient Advocacy Coalition hosted a fun and successful fundraiser in Woonsocket. Rep. Tom Slater, lead sponsor of this year's Medical Marijuana Act, spoke eloquently on the importance of this law.
Thank you to all of the patients, caregivers, and advocates who attended, for your generous contributions! Anyone who missed the party is welcome to donate by credit card using the Donate box on the left, or by check to "RI Patient Advocacy Coalition" at PO Box 2731, Providence, RI 02906.

5. NATIONAL DEBUT OF MARIJUANA FILM "THE UNION" IN RI 8/9/07

"The Union: The Business Behind Getting High" will have its U.S. debut at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. "The Union" is about the roots of marijuana prohibition and who benefits from this business.
The debut will be 9pm, Thursday, August 9, at the Columbus Theatre, 270 Broadway, Providence. "The Union" is also playing at 8pm on Saturday August 11 and Sunday August 12 at ShoreBreak Cinema in Narragansett.

6. NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING AND CARDHOLDER MEETING

RIPAC's next medical marijuana Community Meeting for patients, caregivers, advocates, and anyone else interested in learning more will be Tuesday, August 14. Contact RIPAC for more information.
Our next Cardholder Meeting for licensed patients and caregivers in the RI Medical Marijuana Program will be Tuesday, August 28. If you are a licensed patient or caregiver and would like to attend, contact RIPAC here.

Have a healthy day,
RIPAC
www.RIpatients.org

P.S.: If you like what we're doing, please donate to RIPAC either online with PayPal or by check to "RI Patient Advocacy Coalition" at PO Box 2731, Providence, RI 02906.

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