Legalized recreational marijuana seemed like a long shot when Gov. Gina M. Raimondo proposed it as a revenue generator 10 months ago, but a pandemic, new political leadership and increasing success of recreational marijuana in Massachusetts has shifted its chances of passage.
Opposition in some business circles remains because of concerns over workplace safety and enforcement, but those objections may not be enough to stop the changing tide of political sentiment.
At a Nov. 18 Senate Finance Committee hearing, legislators expressed interest in legalizing recreational marijuana, either sold from state-run and regulated shops Raimondo has proposed or a private model like the one used in Massachusetts.
The projected $50 million in profits expected once fully operational, 61% of which would go back to the state in a restricted account akin to how the state handles casino revenue, holds increased appeal amid the fiscal havoc caused by the coronavirus crisis.
Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio has previously opposed the idea but in a statement to PBN, he said “legalization and regulation will capture lost revenue, create jobs, and provide funding to rectify generational wrongs perpetuated by a policy of prohibition.”
State Rep. K. Joseph Shekarchi, who is due to become House speaker in January, also expressed openness to legalizing recreational marijuana.
Many Chamber members ‘positively do not want to see it take effect.’
LAURIE WHITE, Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce president
The growing fiscal pressure to approve recreational marijuana has done little to sway David M. Chenevert, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association executive director.
Chenevert reiterated the association’s concerns in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee ahead of its hearing. Workplace safety topped those concerns, particularly at factories with expensive pieces of equipment and a need for precision in making products critical to national defense.
“If you’re running machinery and equipment with $500,000 and you hit the wrong button, we could have a $40,000 repair cost on our hands,” Chenevert said. “That environment is not a place for drugs.”
General Dynamics Electric Boat, one of the state’s largest employers, also maintains its opposition.
“The impact that legalization will have on our hiring efforts is concerning and may restrict our ability to fill job openings,” spokeswoman Susan Adams said. “Many jobs at EB require a security clearance and the federal government will likely not grant this clearance to individuals that fail a marijuana drug test.”
The Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce has advocated for a policy that gives employers discretion to set their own human resources policies regardless of what the state approves, said President Laurie White.
The Chamber has not taken a position on Raimondo’s proposal, but many members “positively do not want to see it take effect,” said White.
The governor’s proposal includes provisions that “would give employers the authority to prohibit workplace use and to enforce consequences – including termination – for employees in violation of company policy,” said Raimondo spokeswoman Audrey Lucas.
But that was not enough for Chenevert, who noted that routine drug testing can be costly and is further complicated by the length of time marijuana stays in the body. Asked if he was worried RIMA’s concerns would be ignored, Chenvert said, “As long as we’re at the table, we can’t ask for more.”
Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Lavin@PBN.com.
