On Monday, a Rhode Island Senate committee approved the marijuana legalization bill introduced by leadership in the chamber.
This bill marks the first time in Rhode Island’s state history that a legalization bill for recreational cannabis advanced.
The Judiciary Committee passed the Senate bill with a 6-2 vote. The same committee also held a hearing in April on the legislation and the governor’s proposal. In the House, lawmakers filed a third legalization bill. Rep. Scott Slater is the sponsor of this bill, along with numerous cosponsors.
This bill will allow adults over the age of 21 to purchase and possess one ounce of cannabis. They can also cultivate up to six plants for personal use.
Activists are shocked by the Rhode Island Senate panel’s action, as it comes just days after the House Speaker indicated that lawmakers wouldn’t have time for legalization. However, the Senate appears to have plans to take up the bill for a floor vote next week or sooner.
Senate Bill Revisions
The Senate bill undertook many changes before it advanced through the committee. The first notable change includes imposing a moratorium on approving additional cannabis cultivators. Existing cannabis growers have asked for this change due to the current oversaturation in the market.
The second change includes reserving one-third of marijuana licenses for businesses that qualify as social equity applicants.
Regulations and Provisions
To regulate the market, lawmakers will put a Cannabis Control Commission together. They will be responsible for issuing licenses to businesses as well. In addition, marijuana sales will have a seven percent state tax, a 10 percent special tax, and a three percent local tax.
If this measure passes, it will require that new licenses for cannabis cultivators pause until July 1, 2023. The regulators will also need to review data every year to “determine the maximum number of licenses that shall be issued to meet the production demands.”
In the revised form, the bill will require labor peace agreements for marijuana businesses. This provision aims to increase support with progressives. The measure also prohibits driving under the influence, but there are specific requirements a driver must meet to be considered impaired.
Prior Convictions and Investments
People with prior convictions for possession of cannabis up to two ounces can petition the court for record expungement. The courts will have 90 days to act on the petitions, and the revised bill offers provisions for people to seal their records.
People will be able to invest in multiple cannabis operations, but they can only own one marijuana business license personally.
Every municipality can have at least three cannabis retailers licensed for operations in their jurisdiction. Additional retailers can be given approval in the area for every other 20,000 residents above a 30,000 baseline.
The Next Steps
With both the Governor and the House proposing their legalization bills, advocates are hopeful to see reform soon.
House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi has said that he is open to the idea of cannabis legalization.
Later this week or next week, the Senate should take the bill up for a floor vote, then it will move to the House for consideration. If the House approves of the bill, it will head to the governor’s desk.
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