Following the legalization of marijuana in nearby Massachusetts, Rhode Island lawmakers have proposed the Cannabis Regulation, Control and Taxation Act — a bill legalizing recreational cannabis use for those age 21 and over. Though this will be the third year that a bill like this has been introduced to the state assembly, some lawmakers expressed confidence that reforms may pass in the upcoming legislative session.
State Rep. Scott Slater D-Providence, proposed the bill to the state assembly alongside State Sen. Joshua Miller D-Providence. The law would include mandatory product testing and labeling, restriction on advertising, funding to law enforcement, limits on THC quantity per product and mandatory reviews for all sale products. Additionally, the bill would allow for cities and towns to have some control over the operation of marijuana establishments within their jurisdiction by voter approval.
Most Democrats and a few Republican representatives support the bill, Slater added. While Gov. Gina Raimondo has yet to publicly supported the bill, she has not commented against it either, Slater said. Slater expects that Raimondo will be influenced to endorse the bill if it follows proper regulations and garners support of grassroots groups.
