In a recent interview, Rhode Island House Speaker Joseph Shekarchi, D, said recreational cannabis legalization is “inevitable.” It will be coming “soon” to the state. However, lawmakers along with Governor Daniel McKee, D, want to make sure legalization is done right. “It doesn’t matter to me if we are the last state in the Union to legalize it or we never legalize it,” Speaker Shekarchi said. “I need to make sure we do this right for the taxpayers of Rhode Island and for the medical and business communities.”

Last month, the Rhode Island Senate approved one of three different proposals for legalization with a final vote of 29-9. S568 offers legalization of recreational cannabis along with taxation and regulation plans. Nonetheless, several measures still need addressing. Those include social equity, licensing fees, labor agreements, home growth provisions, and further market regulation.

Next Steps

Currently, the Rhode Island legislative session has come to an end. Regardless, that doesn’t mean lawmakers have stopped working. Speaker Shekarchi says he will continue to make negotiations with other lawmakers to merge competing legalization bills together. Then they can create the most comprehensive bill possible.

“If we can reach a consensus with the Senate and the governor’s office on marijuana, we’d certainly come back in the fall to address that issue,” the Speaker said. “I don’t see it happening before Labor Day.”

A special session could be called in “late September or early October” if an agreement can be reached. Even if a special session happens, S568 passed by the Senate died when the session adjourned July 1. 

Speaker Shekarchi, along with other lawmakers, are open to the idea of recreational cannabis legalization. Even Governor McKee is supportive of new legalization efforts. However, Governor McKee did say recreational cannabis legalization is “not like one of my highest priorities.” It will be up to lawmakers to make the push for a special session to discuss cannabis legalization. Should Rhode Island go into a special session to discuss recreational cannabis legalization, we will update you with the latest.

Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp related news.