Lawmakers have been meeting since the regular session ended at the beginning of July regarding cannabis legalization in Rhode Island. They have continuously discussed recreational cannabis legalization, which had three bills open for debate when the session ended.
In August, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, D, spoke about how the regular session ended. There had been talk of pushing legalization discussion as a whole until 2022. However, the Senate approved a legalization bill, surprising many. “What we (the Senate) really wanted to do was send it (legalization bill) over and have them (House) take a look at it,” Ruggerio told local reporters.
With 2021 coming to an end, lawmakers may have come to a decision on regulation, taxes, and more in a cannabis bill, according to the House Speaker. Speaker Joe Shekarchi, D, made an appearance on local television to discuss what is coming and what is expected to come during the 2022 regular session.
Legislators are “still not there” when it comes to a final version of a legalization bill, said Speaker Shekarchi. However, he’s “happy to report that we’ve worked down to almost one issue that’s left, but it’s not there yet.”
Concerns
The main issue lawmakers are facing is who will regulate the recreational cannabis market. They’ve narrowed it down to two different options: a new independent commission or the state’s Department of Business Regulation (DBR). Another smaller issue could concern how many businesses can operate within the state. However, Shekarchi hinted that this issue may be resolved since only one issue remains.
Another concern comes from activists. They expressed frustration with the delay in legalization this year, having to wait until 2022 to receive a proper discussion. Yes We Cannabis Rhode Island is one such organization. They took to social media about the lack of legalization in Rhode Island.
“The war on cannabis has gone on long enough,” the post said. “Tens of thousands of Rhode Island residents, disproportionately people of color, bear the weight of a criminal record for something that is now legal in both Connecticut and Massachusetts. It is time to stop the harm and repair the damage that has been done here in our state. We urge members of the General Assembly to find common ground and move forward with a plan to equitably legalize cannabis in a special legislative session this year.”
In response, Speaker Shekarchi explained why there has been a delay. “I’ve always said, I don’t necessarily want to be the first [state to legalize cannabis], I want to be the best.
“We’re studying other states. But the marijuana bill in general is a very complicated piece of legislation,” he continued. “People just say ‘legalize it.’ It touches very different areas of the law. It touches taxation. We have to make sure that we’re doing it right.”
Future
Recreational cannabis is ‘inevitable,’ many Rhode Island lawmakers have said. It is just taking longer than expected to make sure they get it right. As more information becomes available, we will update you with the latest.
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