Marijuana Legalization Bill Introduced in Rhode Island
Twitter: @markcurtisABC6
It could soon be legal to smoke marijuana in
A new bill would make the
“The sales of marijuana are taking place in an underground, unregulated market. And so we’d essentially like to replace that illicit industry with a regulated market that’s going to have legitimate businesses, that pay taxes; that sell only to adults 21 and older,” said Jared Moffat of Regulate Rhode Island, www.RegulateRI.com.
In Downtown Providence, we found people sharply divided – for and against – legalizing pot.
“Well I am for legalizing it, because it seems to do a lot less harm than alcohol,” said one who supports legalization.
“We don’t need people walking around that are half out of their minds to begin with. I’ve seen them,” said one who opposes legalization.
ABC6 Chief Political reporter Mark Curtis said, “With the State of Rhode Island already facing a $200 million dollar budget deficit, the money of marijuana will be a consideration.”
The state is also projected to lose millions in gaming revenue, but critics say marijuana in no way to balance a budget.
“I have never though that it was a good way to raise money…. I think we have to look at some serious spending cuts. Our health and human services budget is way out of proportion. And there is a lot of abuse there,” said State Rep. Joe Trillo, (R)
Despite those objections, the legal pot bill moves forward at the State House.
