U.S. attorney says medical-marijuana centers violate federal law
PROVIDENCE – U.S. Attorney Peter F. Neronha on Friday told Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee the state law establishing up to three medical-marijuana centers violates federal law and could lead to civil and criminal prosecution.
The governor received the news in a three-page letter that was hand-delivered.
“The Department of Justice maintains the authority to enforce [federal law] vigorously against individuals and organizations that participate in unlawful manufacturing and distribution activity involving marijuana, even if such activities are permitted under state law,” Neronha wrote. “The [state law], the registration scheme it purports to authorize and the anticipated operation of the three centers appear to permit large-scale marijuana cultivation and distribution.
“The Department of Justice could consider civil and criminal legal remedies against those individuals and entities who set up marijuana-growing facilities and dispensaries, as such actions are in violation of federal law,” Neronha said in the letter.
The governor’s office issued a statement saying only that it had received the letter and it is under review.
The R.I. Department of Health last month selected three organizations permitted to open the marijuana dispensaries allowed under the state law.
The department selected the Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center, the Summit Medical Compassion Center and the Thomas Slater Compassion Center.
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