Do you support Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s proposals to legalize adult use of marijuana and expand the existing medical-marijuana program?

GOV. GINA M. RAIMONDO released a fiscal 2020 budget proposal Thursday. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
GOV. GINA M. RAIMONDO'S fiscal 2020 budget proposal expands legal sales of marijuana in the state, including for adult recreational use. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s fiscal 2020 budget proposal includes an “adult-use marijuana program,” which would legalize sales for recreational use.

The program would create a weight-based excise tax on marijuana cultivation and a 10 percent tax on marijuana products, in addition to the existing sales tax. Purchases would be limited to 1 ounce or less.

Raimondo estimates $6.5 million in anticipated new revenue from marijuana sales in fiscal 2020 and $22 million the following year.

She proposes that 15 percent of all marijuana revenue would go to cities and towns, and 25 percent to public health, public safety, regulation and enforcement. The budget includes $650,000 more for the Rhode Island State Police for enforcement purposes.

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The existing medical-marijuana would also be expanded. Raimondo proposes six new compassion centers (bringing the state’s total to nine), where medical marijuana can be purchased. To drive more retail sales, home-growing would be curtailed. Only patients with a hardship could cultivate marijuana. The budget anticipates another $1.6 million from that.

Supporters of the governor’s budget proposal say the state desperately needs to additional revenue and point to similar moves by other states, including Massachusetts.

But opponents say expanding legal sales of marijuana could increase safety concerns in the workplace and on state roads.

 

Do you support Gov. Gina M. Raimondo’s proposals to legalize adult use of marijuana and expand the existing medical-marijuana program?

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