Rhode Island Lawmakers Unveil Revised Marijuana Legalization Bill, With Committee Votes Set For This Week

Rhode Island lawmakers have unveiled a newly revised marijuana legalization proposal that’s scheduled to be taken up in two committees this week and then head to the floors of both chambers next week.

The legislation is the product of months of negotiations between legislators and the governor, who released his own legalization measure as part of a budget proposal in January.



Here are some details of the bill


Adults 21 and older could purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants (only three of which could be mature) for personal use.


The allowable possession limit for marijuana stored in a given household would be maxed out at 10 ounces.


The state would automatically expunge prior marijuana possession convictions for amounts now being made legal by July 1, 2024, but those who petition the court for relief would have their cases expedited.


Regulatory responsibility would be shared by a new independent Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) and a Cannabis Office under the Department of Business Regulation (DBR). A new advisory board would also assist.




Rhode Island Lawmakers Unveil Revised Marijuana Legalization Bill, With Committee Votes Set For This Week - Marijuana Moment

Update


Rhode Island House and Senate committees approved recently revised bills to legalize marijuana on Wednesday, sending them to the floor of both chambers for final passage, which is expected on Tuesday.


First the Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Joshua Miller (D) in a 9-1 vote. Hours later, the House Finance Committee advanced the chamber’s identical version from Rep. Scott Slater (D) in a 12-2 vote.


Rhode Island Marijuana Legalization Bills Head To Senate And House Floors Following Committee Approval - Marijuana Moment