RI becomes 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana by Sarah Doiron and Steph Machado -

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https://www.wpri.com/news/cannabis-coverage/mckee-to-sign-marijuana-legalization-bill-into-law/

Marijuana Now Legal in Rhode Island by Emily Jiannetto

On May 25th, Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island signed a bill into law that legalizes marijuana. Not only can citizens grow and consume the plant, but the law will also exonerate all citizens with marijuana convictions (Doiron and Machado). People can grow up to six cannabis plants, and have up to one ounce of marijuana in public, and up to ten ounces in their residence.

What is special about Rhode Island’s marijuana legalization bill is the social equity aspect of it. In the original bill, the expungement of marijuana convictions was initially not automatic, and citizens would have to appeal to the courts for expungement (Doiron and Machado). The state will also prioritize low-income applicants in licensing for dispensaries.

Retail sales will begin in December of this year. Expungements will be completed by July 2024.

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