This week a new plan to legalize marijuana recreationally in Rhode Island was introduced to the House and Senate.
The bill kicks off what will be months of debate before a final bill is potentially approved.
The new legislation is sponsored by state Rep. Scott Slater and state Sen. Josh Miller, and includes a new framework to oversee the cannabis industry modeled on the system that is neighboring state New York.
“This is a great day,” Slater told reporters. “Last year we had some differences on our bills, but we’ve been able to come together and work collectively.”
Slater and Miller said the legislation has the support of House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, who has signed on as a co-sponsor.
The bills were referred to the House Finance and Senate Judiciary committees, respectively, and hearings were not immediately scheduled.
The identical bills would allow adults 21 and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana and grow small amounts of the plant at home, according to a summary of the bill. It would allow prior marijuana possession charges to be expunged, but only upon request of the convicted person. Also, a total of 33 cannabis retail stories would be allowed to open under the new proposal.
