Politics & Government
Medical Marijuana Case: Preliminary Injunction Stops Town From Enforcing New Ordinance
Superior Court Justice Richard Licht said the fact marijuana is illegal under federal law does not conflict with the state law.
SMITHFIELD, RI—The Town is barred from enforcing its new ordinance regulating medical marijuana, due to a preliminary injunction. Superior Court Justice Richard Licht made the decision earlier this week. Smithfield wanted to limit the number of marijuana plants a patient can cultivate. State law allows 12. The Town wanted to reduce the number to two plus two seedlings. Smithfield also hoped to ban caregivers from growing any plants in Town.
Two patients, an advocacy group and the American Civil Liberties Union challenged the ordinance. The ACLU said it will ask the court to make the injunction permanent. The ACLU also said it will challenge any other local government that tries to follow Smithfield.
A preliminary injunction means the status quo continues until the case is decided.
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Smithfield's police Chief Richard St. Sauveur did not want to comment.
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