Rhode Island lawmakers are trying desperately to come up with new rules governing the 3 medical marijuana compassion centers that are already supposed to be up and running. Federal threats derailed the first attempt earlier this year, and the feds don’t seem impressed with the attempts at new rules either.

In this case the threats are coming from U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha. His office issued a statement Wednesday again warning the state against “large-scale” cultivation and distribution. "As has been stated previously, and as I reiterated to the governor and legislative leaders during a recent meeting, the department has given guidance to U.S. attorneys that prosecuting genuinely ill persons who use marijuana for medical purposes in compliance with state laws would not be an effective use of limited federal resources," Neronha said.

"At the same time, the department’s guidance has also made clear that combating large-scale commercial cultivation and distribution of marijuana remains a priority. Anyone engaging in such activities is subject to a variety of potential federal criminal and civil remedies, including forfeiture of the real estate where such centers or associated activities are located."

In other words they won’t go after sick people, just the places where they get their medicine. How does this make any sense? It’s like telling people they are allowed to eat pizza all they want, but no businesses are allowed to make pizza and sell it. If you want pizza make your own.

So lawmakers in RI are in a useless struggle to put regulations and limits on medical marijuana, regulations and limits that will do nothing to keep the feds out of their state business.

It’s time to admit that the Obama Administration cares nothing about sick people. Unless of course those sick people are addicted to prescription drugs made by Obama campaign donors. Shame on you Mr. President. Never have there been more disappointed people in a President that started with such potential and turned out to be just another corporate lackey.

Source: http://tiverton.patch.com