Rhode Island Bill Attempts To Prevent Cannabis Gatherings of More Than Three People

S-125 Senators Walter Ferrag, Senators Leonidas Laptakis, Senators Frank Ciccone, Senators Lou DiPalma, Senators Susan Sosnowski, and Senators Dawn Uer (Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee) in Rhode Island on February 1. was introduced by the senators of ).If passed, the bill would make it illegal to have cannabis in the country. gatheringThe bill defines this as “a place where groups of three or more people have gathered or are gathering for a social event or social activity at a resident or establishment.” Violators will be fined $500 for the first offense, $750 for the second offense, and $1,000 for the second and subsequent offenses.

Lovewell Farms, the state’s only USDA organic hemp farm, posted on Feb. 11 about the bill and its impact on residents.Check out this new cannabis bill introduced in @RISenate By Senators Felag, Raptakis, Tikoian, Ciccone, DiPalma, and Sosnoswki! On private property he hosts more than 3 people and smokes “m*rijuana” and gets fined. Written by Lovewell Farms.

The bill in its current form would restrict more than cannabis. It also contains other “hallucinogens” such as ibogaine, peyote and psilocybin.

Lovewell Farms also noted that sales of adult-use cannabis in Rhode Island began last December 1, 2022, but bills such as S-125 directly conflict with current law. “This is all very strange considering the country regulated adult cannabis use last year.” Lovewell Farms continued“In fact, that bill specifically prevents adults from being punished for possessing or consuming cannabis, which is exactly what this new bill does!”

according to 2022 Rhode Island Cannabis Law, the law protects residents who personally use cannabis. “Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, notwithstanding any other general or special law, no person over the age of 21 shall be arrested, prosecuted, punished, sanctioned, or otherwise entitled under the laws of the United States. shall not be deprived of their rights, stated in any way, denied their rights or privileges, or subject to seizure or confiscation of their assets…”

Citing the 2014 ACLU Rhode Island Report, Lovewell Farms describes how such a bill would adversely affect those already unfairly targeted. drug war“Also note that blacks in Rhode Island are eight times more likely to be arrested (or fined) than non-blacks, a higher number than Ferguson, Missouri.” What will the enforcement of this law look like? Perhaps people of color will be disproportionately fined.”

Calling Lovewell Farms file a lawsuit against the bill, providing data and contact information to the bill’s sponsors. “So please! Call these Rhode Island senators listed below and let them know this bill sucks! We need state and local funds to go after cannabis consumers.” This is a waste of money and we have already decided that adults are fully responsible.”

Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed state cannabis laws Enacted in May 2022.

In the first week of adult sales in December 2022, Rhode Island generated $1.6 million in combined recreational ($786,000) and medical ($845,400) revenue.

It was released recently Americans for Safe Access 2022 State of the States According to the report, Rhode Island received a B- for implementing a medical cannabis program. “This year, Rhode Island has doubled the number of clinics in the state,” he wrote in the ASA. “While this is a huge boost for patients, Rhode Island policymakers should also note that more than six dispensaries are needed to serve medical cannabis patients in the state. I have.”

Rhode Island is one of only two states, Connecticut and Maryland, to achieve the same score (it is also the highest score given to any state in the US this year). Most other states received C, D, and F scores.