First medical marijuana patient submits application for use

PROVIDENCE, R.I. --A multiple sclerosis patient who hopes to use marijuana to ease the painful symptoms of her disease became the first person to apply for permission to legally use the drug.

Sign up for: Globe Headlines e-mail | Breaking News Alerts Rhonda O'Donnell submitted her two-page application and a $75 check to the Department of Health on Wednesday. Once the department confirms her doctor's diagnosis, she will be issued a photo ID card and will be allowed to buy or carry up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana.

"I am just so thankful that our legislators have been compassionate enough to care about the disabled," she said.

Rhode Island in January became the 11th state to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes, and the state law took effect April 1. The drug remains illegal under federal law, and those who get permission from the state could still be prosecuted by federal officials.

O'Donnell, 43, said that won't stop her from using marijuana once she gets her card. Federal authorities should be concentrating on arresting major drug traffickers, she said.

"I would hope they're not going after the small people who are smoking for cancer," she said.

Special Agent Anthony Pettigrew, a spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Administration's New England offices, said the agency will continue to enforce federal drug laws. But he noted that the DEA usually investigates large criminal organizations.

"DEA has never targeted the sick and dying, but rather criminals engaged in drug cultivation and trafficking," he said.

Maria Wah-Fitta, a spokeswoman for the health department, said the agency has mailed out between 50 to 60 applications to people who hope to get permission to use marijuana. She said it could take several days to issue O'Donnell's ID card.

Applicants must provide certification from a doctor in Rhode Island that says marijuana may mitigate their symptoms. They also can designate someone to grow or buy marijuana for them, and those under 18 may use the drug if they get permission from a parent or legal guardian.

Warren Dolbashian, 34, joined O'Donnell at the news conference and said he plans to turn in his application after he visits his doctor. Dolbashian said he smokes marijuana daily to alleviate the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome and chronic pain caused by three motorcycle accidents.

Providence police arrested Dolbashian on a misdemeanor charge for possessing marijuana in 2000, according to court records. He paid more than $450 in court costs and fines and received one year of probation.

"I'm thankful that treating my pain finally won't be a crime in Rhode Island," he said.

The program does not provide people with marijuana, and does not say how people can get the drug.

"Everyone knows somebody who knows somebody," O'Donnell said.

Obtaining marijuana won't be a problem, said Rep. Thomas Slater, D-Providence, one of the bill's sponsors. He said marijuana is illegal but prevalent, a fact he confirmed during a recent lecture to a high school audience.

"None of the kids in the high school asked because they know where to get it," he said.

Slater has breast cancer that has spread to his lung and lymph nodes. He said he would consider using marijuana if his pain became severe, and has discussed it with his doctor.

The Medical Marijuana Program will end on June 30, 2007, unless the General Assembly renews it. Legislators overrode a veto by Gov. Don Carcieri to pass the law.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/rho...ation_for_use/

A big thumbs up to the voters of Rhode Island and their Legislators! Now hopefully the feds leave Rhonda O'Donnell alone!!:thumbsup:

That is good news. We are an MM state but there hasn't been any co-ops etc set up like in most MM states so it's still hard to get here. lol I think if my old ass started hanging out at the high schools to get my meds, since I'm a registered and legal MM patient, I'd find myself in a world of hurt.