Lawmakers vote to legalize recreational marijuana in RI

After years of discussion, Rhode Island lawmakers on Tuesday voted to legalize the sale of marijuana for recreational use.

If the governor signs the legislation, as expected Wednesday afternoon, Rhode Island would become the 19th state to legalize adult use of marijuana since Colorado became the first in 2012. Some three dozen states have medical marijuana programs as well.

The Senate passed a version of the bill 32-6 while the House passed its version 55-16.

The vote in the House came after more than 90 minutes of debate with about than a dozen lawmakers airing familiar arguments against legalization.

Many echoed the concerns of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association that the drug remained dangerous, that there is no reliable test for impaired drivers on marijuana, and that users would be able to smoke pot, like cigarettes, on public sidewalks.

“You can’t do that with scotch,” said Rep. Michael Chippendale, R-Foster. “It sends a message.”

Rep. Thomas Noret, a Coventry police officer, said supporters of the bill described it as “good” and “strong.” But “I did not hear the words ‘public safety’.”

But supporters of the bill, who broke out in applause after the vote, said Rhode Islanders, in reality, have for years been using marijuana without limitation or regulation. “If there are unintended consequences, we are dealing with them now,” said Rep. Scott Slater, the chief sponsor of the bill in the House. [Read More @ The Providence Journal]