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RHODE ISLAND CRIMINAL DEFENSE BLOG

Significant Alterations to Rhode Island's Marijuana Laws May Lay Ahead

Posted by Matthew Marin | Mar 15, 2011 | 0 Comments

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Two key committees of the state House of Representatives on Wednesday will take up a host of proposals regulating marijuana.

One bill, sponsored by Rep. Edith H. Ajello, D- Providence, would legalize, regulate and tax the drug.

Another bill, sponsored by Rep. Rene Menard, D-Lincoln, would tax the soon-to-be-opened medical marijuana dispensaries that will be licensed and regulated by the state to grow and sell the drug.

And still another bill, submitted by Rep. John G. Edwards, D-Tiverton, would decriminalize possession of up to one ounce of marijuana, making it a civil offense subject to a $150 fine.

Consideration of the bills, a number of which have been introduced in years past, come close on the heels of two significant developments in the state-sanctioned medical marijuana industry.

Last Tuesday, Governor Chafee unveiled his first budget, proposing a surcharge equal to 4 percent of a compassion center's "net patient revenue" as well as a new 6-percent sales tax on the retail sale of medical marijuana.

The governor estimated the state can generate more than $1.35 million in new revenue from the proposed marijuana taxes and surcharges in the fiscal year that begins July 1.

This Tuesday, the state Department of Health announced the first three recipients of a state license to open a marijuana dispensary. The applicants were chosen among 18 other non-profit organizations.

The House Finance Committee will take up Ajello and Menard's proposals at a hearing at 1 p.m.

The House Judiciary Committee will take up the Edwards proposal and four other marijuana-related bills following the regular afternoon House session at 4 p.m.

Among those four other bills, which have all been submitted by Rep. Roberto DaSilva, D-East Providence, are proposals to give landlords the right not to lease an apartment to a person who intends to grow medical marijuana and a proposal to make a second offense of possession of marijuana a misdemeanor.

About the Author

Matthew Marin

My name is Attorney Matthew Marin. I have dedicated my career to defending those charged with criminal offenses throughout Rhode Island. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a criminal offense, we understand that are likely in an unfamiliar situation that can be extremely intimidating and even paralyzing. You may feel as if you do not know where to turn or who to ask for help. Fortunately, you have come to the right place to begin your search for answers and a successful resolution to your situation. We have extensive experience assisting thousands of clients facing drunk driving charges, domestic violence charges, and drug charges throughout Rhode Island.

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Attorney Matthew Marin has been named a Rhode Island SuperLawyer for 10 consecutive years from 2014 thru 2023. Each year, no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in Rhode Island are selected by the Research Team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers selects lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement in their practice area.


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