ACLU sues over RI medical marijuana policy change

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Rhode Island chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has sued the state health department over its decision to no longer accept medical marijuana applications signed by nurse practitioners and physician's assistants.

The ACLU announced the lawsuit Tuesday.

The state in August began requiring patients seeking marijuana to obtain a physician's signature. Previously the state accepted signatures from nurse practitioners and physician's assistants.

ACLU attorney John Dineen says the change was made without legislative approval or public notice.

Peter Nunes says his application was denied even though it was filed two months before the change and was signed by a nurse practitioner. The Bristol man is a plaintiff in the suit. He says he needs medical marijuana for chronic back pain and calls the state's actions frustrating.