recreational marijuana | Rhode Island Public Radio

Car Taxes, Recreational Marijuana, And Other Issues To Watch For At The Statehouse This Year

By Elisabeth Harrison & Scott MacKay • Jan 3, 2017

The New Year has begun, and that means it’s time for a new legislative session on Smith Hill. Lawmakers are expected to take up a range of issues, from car taxes to a budget deficit, and perhaps recreational marijuana. Rhode Island Public Radio’s Elisabeth Harrison sat down for a preview of the legislative session with our political analyst Scott MacKay.

The Bottom Line: The Business Of Marijuana, As Recreational Pot Comes To Massachusetts

By Dave Fallon & Mark Murphy • Dec 23, 2016

Providence Business News Editor Mark Murphy joins Rhode Island Public Radio's Dave Fallon for our weekly business segment, The Bottom Line.

This week, Dave and Mark speak with Preston Halperin of the law firm of Shectman, Halperin and Savage of Pawtucket. Halperin represents marijuana cultivating clients in MA and RI, advising them on the business-related issues.

Senate Committee To Hear Recreational Marijuana Bill

By John Bender • Jun 2, 2015

The Senate Judiciary Committee is slated to hear a slate of bills Tuesday about marijuana. One bill would legalize the recreational use of marijuana in Rhode Island.

Lawmakers will once again consider legalizing the use and possession of marijuana for adults over 21. The idea is to regulate and tax the drug like alcohol. Proponents say that would cut down jail time for small-time offenders and increase state revenue.

Lawmakers Try Again To Legalize Marijuana

By Kristin Gourlay • Mar 6, 2015

Rhode Island lawmakers have once again introduced legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. Proponents want to tax and regulate the drug like alcohol.

Lawmakers have been trying to pass marijuana legalization laws for years. This time they can point to the experiences of several other states that have already passed such laws. The Senate bill would make it legal for anyone 21 and older to have up to an ounce of pot, or grow a couple of plants at home. It would also allow retailers to sell marijuana, as long as they include a safety warning.

Supporters Of Recreational Marijuana To Make Their Case At Statehouse

By Kristin Gourlay • Jun 3, 2014

Supporters of legalizing the retail sale of marijuana to adults will make their case at the statehouse Tuesday. It’s not the first time lawmakers have attempted to decriminalize pot.