BUD AND BREAKFAST’S MARIJUANA JURISDICTION REGULATION STATE-BY-STATE OVERVIEW: Rhode Island.

Quick Facts:

Is medicinal cannabis legal? Yes

Is recreational marijuana legal? No

The cannabis legalization status in Rhode Island is covered by the Medical Marijuana Act and this protects patient who have  a qualifying debilitating condition from being punished for using medical marijuana. Primary caregivers and physicians are also protected by the law. Caregivers have to submit an application to the state in order to become a designated caregiver.

On April 29, 2015, the Rhode Island House Judiciary Committee listened to accounts from a number of supporters for recreational cannabis—including racial justice advocates and public health researchers.  The house is debating the legislation to treat cannabis like alcohol and regulate it as such.

The sensible approach—adopted by states such as Colorado where cannabis is legal recreationally, and the state enjoys cannabis tourism as a result—creates jobs and acts as a boom to the economy according to the Marijuana Policy Project. As Bud and Breakfast shows, listings for weed-friendly accommodations are growing, and cannabis tours are adding to this industry growth.

Polling has shown that the majority of Rhode Island voters support the initiative to legalize and regulate recreational cannabis.