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A few weeks ago, we wrote that “political support for legalizing recreational cannabis in Rhode Island may finally be reaching a critical mass.” It seems our prediction was premature and it is becoming more likely that the General Assembly may not pass a bill before the close of its legislative session around the end of June.
What changed? Several things seem to be holding up approval. First, there are competing bills in the Rhode Island Senate from Governor McKee and Senate leadership, and the parties have yet to reconcile the bills and work out a satisfactory compromise. In addition, House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi recently stated legalization is “inevitable” but that he is “unsure” that legalization would happen this year. At the same time, the business community is concerned that the bills proposed so far do not adequately protect employers and the workplace.
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It appears that political support for legalizing recreational cannabis in Rhode Island may finally be reaching a critical mass. The details of
how Rhode Island might go about legalizing recreational cannabis and not
whether to do it are now the subject of legislative hearings and maneuvering at the Rhode Island State House.
There are two bills under discussion. Both would legalize the possession of certain amounts of marijuana for adults 21 years and older, and both would organize a system of private retail locations to be licensed to sell recreational cannabis as soon as Spring 2022.
R.I. sets goal to get first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to 70% of those eligible by May 15
Updated at 2:19 p.m. on April 8, 2021.
CASES OF COVID-19 in Rhode Island increased by 360 on Wednesday. / COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
PROVIDENCE – State officials laid out the groundwork Thursday during their weekly COVID-19 press conference for large-scale events to incrementally return in Rhode Island.
Gov. Daniel J. McKee and R.I. Department of Health Director Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott stated that Rhode Island is setting a goal to administer at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 70% of all Rhode Islanders ages 16 and older by May 15.
A lot is riding on cannabis license lottery
THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND is seeking to create a lottery system to grant six new licenses for medical-marijuana dispensaries by May 14. / AP FILE PHOTO
With Rhode Island poised to issue licenses for six new cannabis dispensaries, some applicants say the selection process will hamper the chances of experienced in-state applicants getting any of the potentially lucrative licenses.
The state is planning to hire an independent third party to establish and operate a lottery system to determine who will get the six licenses, a process that state officials believe will avoid the effects of favoritism and influence. The winners will be granted licenses to dispense medically prescribed cannabis and cultivate the product, too.