Do you support Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s proposal to create state-run stores to sell marijuana for adult recreational use?

PBN Staff

01/24/2020

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA: Gov. Gina M. Raimondo last year introduced a proposal to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana in Rhode Island but it was not approved. While she prepares to reintroduce a similar proposal, both House Speaker Nicholas A. Mattiello and Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio have expressed opposition to such a measure. / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO — RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA: Gov. Gina M. Raimondo is again proposing to legalize adult recreational marijuana sales. This time, instead of privately run stores, which is how medical marijuana facilities are regulated, she is proposing a series of state-run dispensaries. / ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE PHOTO

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s fiscal 2021 budget plan would legalize adult recreational marijuana sales.

But instead of privately run stores, such as how medical marijuana facilities are regulated, she is proposing a series of state-run dispensaries, similar to the state-run liquor stores found in New Hampshire. The proposal doesn’t state how many would be created but counts on about $21.8 million in new revenue.

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Legislative leaders had already warned her before her budget release that they would not support legalizing adult recreational use this year. But Raimondo’s administration counters that legal sales in Massachusetts and similar proposals in other New England states mean Rhode Island needs to act now to ensure all marijuana use in the state is properly regulated.