Top lawmakers in Rhode Island in the House and Senate have said that marijuana legalization is “inevitable” in their state. But there is still some uncertainty about the logistics of passing a bill this year.

There are two proposals, one from the governor and another from legislative leaders. The House Speaker and the Senate President have said that the end to prohibition is coming, they just don’t know when.

“I am not philosophically opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana,” House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi said. “I don’t want people to get that impression, because I am not.”

Nonetheless, specifics about the legislation have faced disagreements and opposition. It has created a lot of uncertainty. Legalization is going to happen, Shekarchi said. But the bill isn’t done, partially because legislators need to finalize the rules and regulations around licensing, taxation, and the role of the state’s existing medical cannabis market.

Will Anything Happen in 2021?

On Thursday, the House Finance Committee will take up the governor’s legalization proposal. But depending on how the session goes, it is possible nothing will happen until after 2021.

Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey and key chairman have a separate bill that is also in play for this session.

Shekarchi said that he is not in a rush to legalize recreational marijuana. “I want to be steady and slow. I want to study it more and take a deliberative approach.”

Senate President Dominick Ruggerio is on the same page with Shekarchi. Saying that the reform is indeed inevitable, but legalization might not happen in 2021.

It seems like “urgency” is lacking in Rhode Island’s government to legalize marijuana. “The House doesn’t really have a plan at this point in time so we will see where it goes,” Ruggerio said.

Currently, the House does not have a standalone legalization bill this session. But the Finance Committee along with taking up the governor’s proposal; will be taking up a bill from Rep. Scott Slater.

Legislation Options

This legislation would eliminate a series of existing regulations for the medical cannabis program. Like the plant-tagging system for patients and caregivers who wish to cultivate marijuana. The annual dispensary license fees will decrease to $5,000 from $500,000. Finally, they will do away with the cap on the number of operational shops.

It would also look to expand the definition of who could qualify as a medical marijuana patient. It would include “any serious health condition a reasonable practitioner believes, based on their experience, knowledge, and reasonable judgment as a health care provider could be alleviated or treated through the use of medical marijuana.”

Further, the committee is also slated to consider two other medical cannabis-focused measures. The first would earmark marijuana tax revenue for a “distressed communities relief fund,” as well as charitable organizations that would be selected each year.

The second would require the state Department of Business Regulation to analyze the licensing system from social equity and racial perspective. As well as move to eliminate barriers to entry from people most impacted by prohibition to participate in the growing industry.

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