PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Chronically ill patients in Rhode Island
could legally buy marijuana for pain relief under legislation state
House lawmakers are set to vote on this week.

The bill would permit three nonprofit stores to sell marijuana
to the roughly 680 patients enrolled in the state's medical
marijuana program. House lawmakers plan to vote on the issue
Tuesday afternoon.

While Rhode Island permitted medical patients to possess small
amounts of marijuana for pain relief starting in 2006, lawmakers
never legalized the drug's sale. It remains illegal under federal
law.

The state Senate approved identical legislation last month.

Gov. Don Carcieri won't receive the legislation until at least
one of the bills has been approved by lawmakers in both chambers.