Providence, Rhode Island: A legislative task force has convened to evaluate whether to reduce statewide criminal penalties regarding the personal possession and use of marijuana.
The nine-member panel, led by Democrat Senator Joshua Miller, is expected to assess the fiscal and social costs of present law and consider legislative alternatives.
The task force is expected to make their recommendations to the Rhode Island legislature by the end of January.
Under state law, the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail. The sale or cultivation of marijuana is classified as a felony offense, punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
In 2006, state lawmakers approved legislation allowing for the medicinal use of cannabis by state-authorized patients. In June, the legislature mandated the Department of Health to adopt regulations regarding the non-profit production and distribution of medical marijuana. Those rules are expected to take effect next year.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Deputy Director, at (202) 483-5500.