RHODE ISLAND GOV TO SIGN MEASURE LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

Rhode Island is poised to become the 19th state in the nation to legalize marijuana for recreational use after legislators on Tuesday passed the bill through both the state House and Senate by wide margins.

 

Gov. Dan McKee (D) said he would sign the bill Wednesday when it reaches his desk.

 

The bill will immediately legalize the possession of marijuana in Rhode Island, and it will start the clock ticking on sales of recreational cannabis by the end of the year. A newly created Cannabis Control Commission will oversee and regulate the industry.

 

Rhode Island will eventually allow a maximum of 33 recreational pot dispensaries around the state. The three medical marijuana dispensaries that already operate in the state will be allowed to sell recreational marijuana as well.

 

New marijuana products will be taxed at about 20 percent, about average among other states where recreational pot sales are legal. Rhode Island will levy a 7 percent sales tax, cities and towns will add a 3 percent sales tax, and products will be subject to an additional 10 percent tax that is likely to add millions of dollars to state coffers.

 

The new bill will expunge tens of thousands of past charges for marijuana possession. But it allows towns and cities some flexibility in deciding to opt out of the legal regime. Those municipalities will be able to offer voters the chance to ban sales in voter referenda this fall.