The issue of marijuana being used in medicinal practice has been discussed, debated and reacted to by two common group: those who oppose its use and the drug advocates. These groups had been into each other’s neck ever since, and more so now that the drug had been legalized.

The state of California had spearheaded the cause for marijuana to be legalized and the passage of Proposition 215, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, through a state-wide votation by volunteers, such as patients, doctors and advocates. This however, was opposed by anti-drug campaign groups, local officials, law enforcement agencies and concerned civilians on the prominent hazzard that legalizing marijuana may bring. The ballots have closed and the votes tallied. After hours of tabulating the votes, the decision was made: the law shall be passed. Garnering a total of 5, 382, 915 of almost 56% of the registered voters, the law was in effect.

The law constitute the legality of marijuana, though this law now contradicts that of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970, which defines the possession and use, among others, of any controlled substances, in this case, marijuana, as a violation of the law and anyone accused shall be prosecuted accordingly.

The Compassionate Act of 1996 was considered bad and vague by those who opposed it, thus the states passed additional laws that would supplement the proposition. In 2003, the Senate Bill 420 was passed to give clarifications on the limits of the application of the law. A medicinal marijuana program was established, which can issue an identification card that would compromise both authorities and the patients. The marijuana program sets the standards in which the patients are safe from any detainment by the authorities upon presentation of a legitimate marijuana card.

Along with the marijuana program, marijuana centers were established to serve as the primary outlets of the drug. Though there are other means of obtaining the drug, through local dispensaries and cannabis clubs. Problem arised when the authorities stated that the program’s scope and limitation only protects the cardholders, and that these marijuana centers are commiting federal offense of possessing and distributing the regulated drug. Since then, marijuana centers had been subjected to raids and termination of opeations, confiscation any documents and drug law enforcers may find that they could use as evidence for prosecution of the centers.

This action was favored by both authorities and concerned citizens. They fear that these marijuana centers could contribute to the increase of drug-trafficking and drug-related felonies in their neighborhood. Other strategies, such as sending out letters that educate people about the penalty of violating the law.

In light of this event, a bill, the Rhode Island House Bill 5359, was passed to legalize and protect marijuana centers and registered dispensaries from being raided and properties confiscated and their operators being filed for committing a federal offense and being prosecuted accordingly. A House vote shall take place in the following weeks to come up with a decision.