State Lawmakers to Hold Hearing Tuesday on Bill to Regulate and Tax Marijuana Like Alcohol in Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE – The Rhode Island Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday, May 28 on the bill to make possession of limited amounts of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older and establish a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol. The hearing will begin following the rise of the Senate at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET.
Committee member Donna E. Nesselbush (D-Pawtucket, North Providence) introduced S 334, the Marijuana Regulation, Control, and Taxation Act, on February 13. Senators Josh Miller (D-Cranston) and Frank S. Lombardo, III (D-Johnston) co-sponsored the legislation in the Senate. House Judiciary Chair Edith Ajello and 18 of her colleagues, including House Minority Leader Brian Newberry (R-North Smithfield, Burrillville), are sponsoring companion legislation in the House of Representatives.
“By regulating marijuana like alcohol, Rhode Island stands to generate significant new revenue, take marijuana sales out of the underground market, and allow law enforcement officials to spend more time addressing serious crimes,” said Robert Capecchi, deputy director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “Marijuana is objectively less harmful than alcohol, and most Rhode Islanders think adults should be allowed to make the choice to use the less harmful substance.”
WHAT: Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on S 334, the Marijuana Regulation, Control, and Taxation Act
WHEN: Tuesday, May 28, rise of the Senate (approx. 4:30 p.m. ET)
WHERE: Room 313, State House
WHO: Senate Judiciary Committee
Robert Capecchi, MPP deputy director of state policies
Beth Comery, former Providence police officer
Coalition for Marijuana Regulation
