Rhode Island Legislators File Senate Bill 420, Adult Use of Cannabis Act

By Habit 420

Oregon Cannabis Connection

A group of Rhode Island Senators introduced a marijuana legalization bill on Thursday, March 2, 2017 entitled the Adult Use of Cannabis Act. What is even better is the bill number…S420. The bill, introduced by state Senators Miller, Ruggerio, McCaffrey, Metts and Kettle has been refered to the Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee.

The first declaration stated in the bill reads:

“Prohibiting the possession, cultivation, and sale of cannabis to adults has proven to be an ineffective, unfair, and costly policy for the state of Rhode Island. In the absence of a legal, tightly regulated market, an illicit cannabis industry has thrived, undermining the public health and safety of Rhode Islanders.”

The bill allows for travel with 1 ounce of flower and personal possession of 5 ounces of flower at home for adults over 21. It allows free gifting between individuals. It puts limits on “products” with a THC level limit of 300mg. individuals can grow 2 plants at home, only one flowering, with proper state issued “tags” for your plants. Each home is allowed 3 flowering plants, maximum.

It sets up a distribution and regulation system for sale of cannabis at dispensaries and production of concentrates and edibles. They have laws specifically protecting the manufacture of paraphernalia and possession of cannabis pipes, tools, and accessories.

It does not allow public consumption or protect users from employment discrimination. It establishes an Office of Cannabis Coordination which will have broad powers. Their tasked with strategic planning, coordination and approval of regulations, educational content, planning and implementation, community engagement, budget coordination, data collection and analysis functions, and any other duties deemed necessary.

They also establish a Cannabis Advisory Board to handle the overall regulation of cannabis and cannabis products. It will be made of 15 legislators from both the Senate and House and one Governor appointee.

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