Rhode Island’s House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday to defelonize drug possession.
The House passed legislation sponsored by Rep. Scott Slater. If the governor signs this bill into law, it will reclassify simple possession. For some illicit drugs of 10 grams as misdemeanors instead of felony charges.
“This bill will help those with personal drug problems get the treatment they need in order to overcome their addictions and once again become productive members of society. Compassion, care, and understanding are what these people need, not penal confinement or the lifelong stigma of being a felon,” said Representative Slater.
The legislation (2021-H-6083A) will amend the Uniform Controlled Substances Act. It will reclassify simple possession as a misdemeanor. It will be punishable by imprisonment for no more than two years instead of a felony. In addition, upon conviction, a court can assess a fee of no more than $500, sentence a person to prison, or both.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Michael McCaffrey introduced the legislation (2021-S-0188A) for consideration.
Other Marijuana-Related News in RI
In other news on Friday, the Rhode Island House Finance Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2022 budget. But it does not include the legalization of cannabis. Despite this, on Monday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a marijuana legalization bill introduced by leadership in the chamber.
In April, House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said that marijuana legalization “might not get done this year” despite being included in the governor’s budget proposal.
Before the House Finance Committee hearing, Shekarchi noted the possibility of the Assembly returning for a fall session. In the session, they would address marijuana legalization. But as a stand-alone bill if it does not make it through Congress before the 2021 legislative session ends.
What’s Next In Rhode Island?
It looks like a stand-alone bill might not be necessary for a fall session because on Tuesday, The RI Senate will vote on legislation to legalize recreational marijuana for the state.
Rhode Island recently legalized medical cannabis, but the new proposal will legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana throughout the state.
This is the first time in Rhode Island’s history a bill to legalize recreational cannabis has advanced. The vote will take place at Sapinsley Hall at Rhode Island College in Providence at 4:00 p.m.
While the vote will occur Tuesday, the House, Senate, and governor have yet to reach an agreement over how to structure the legal marijuana market.
Make sure to check back for more cannabis and hemp-related news.