The law will allow patients who receive permission from doctors or other caregivers to possess up to 12 marijuana plants or 2.5 ounces of the drug. Possession of marijuana will now be legal under state law, but remains illegal under federal law.

The measure had originally passed in June 2005, but was vetoed by Carcieri. The state Senate quickly voted to override the veto; this week's 59-13 vote by the House completed the process.

"It's been a long wait and a lot of work, but this law will grant mercy and relief to the sick and suffering. Finally, Rhode Island will stop denying sick people a proven means of relief from their pain," said House sponsor and cancer patient Rep. Thomas C. Slater (D-Providence).

A spokesperson said Carcieri's veto was rooted in his belief that the bill would "encourage criminal activity because it does not provide any means for the legal purchase of medical marijuana." The governor also criticized the measure's broad definition of medical use.

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