Whether or not you are a Rhode Island resident, the fact is that the state is now a full-fledged member of the legal cannabis community. You can now legally purchase marijuana and cannabis products in the state through a growing number of retail outlets. The sales are expected to reach $80 million to $97.5 million in the state’s first full year of legalized sales.
Medical Marijuana Program
Those living in Rhode Island who have a qualifying medical condition have the right to legally possess and use medical marijuana. The Rhode Island medical marijuana program is managed by the Rhode Island Department of Health.
The Rhode Island medical marijuana program provides relief to patients across the state. The program was put into effect on January 3, 2006, after the Rhode Island General Assembly passed medical marijuana legislation.
The Rhode Island medical marijuana program allows people with qualifying medical conditions to legally possess and grow small amounts of marijuana. There are a few requirements to qualify. Qualifying patients may grow up to 12 plants or seedlings. They can also possess a limited amount of marijuana on their property. They also must store the marijuana in an indoor facility.
Laws Against Driving While Intoxicated With Liquor or Other Drugs
Getting caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in Rhode Island. The charge comes with severe consequences. If you are convicted of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol you will be facing a fine, suspension of your license, and possibly jail time. If you have a prior DUI you will be facing even more severe penalties.
In Rhode Island, the most pronounced penalties include license suspension, mandatory community service, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. These penalties can also affect your insurance rates. If you have been charged with a DUI, your insurance company may require you to take a special course on driving under the influence, pay for alcohol treatment, or even complete a special DUI course.
Cannabis in Retail Outlets
Earlier this year, the state of Rhode Island passed legislation legalizing the possession and sale of cannabis. The law became effective immediately. It was passed by the state Senate and House of Representatives.
The law also provides for the expungement of past convictions. By July 1, 2024, criminal records will be automatically cleared. Expunged records are not required to be disclosed to employers.
The law also allows adults over age 21 to grow cannabis for personal use in their primary residence. The state of Rhode Island has approximately 70 licensed cultivators and manufacturers.
Under the new law, adults can possess up to one ounce of cannabis. Adults can also grow up to six plants in their homes. The law also allows for transfers of cannabis products from adult to minors without promotion or advertising.
MJBizFactbook Projects Mississippi Medical Marijuana Sales Will Reach $80 Million to $97.5 Million in First Full Year
MJBizFactbook projects Mississippi medical marijuana sales to be between $80 million and $97.5 million in the first year of legalization. The first retail recreational marijuana licenses are scheduled to go to 24 companies across six geographic regions. These licenses include a worker-owned cooperative license, a social equity permit, and a social equity fund.
The medical cannabis law allows patients to buy up to three ounces of marijuana per month. The law also requires a follow-up visit with a qualified practitioner within six months of certification.
The law requires that cannabis be grown indoors in a secure, enclosed, locked area. A cultivation facility can be divided into six tiers, each containing 1,000 square feet. The cultivation facility must have at least a 100,000-square-foot area.
MJBizFactbook Projects Maryland Referred Recreational Marijuana to The Voters in November
MJBizFactbook estimates the total economic impact of marijuana sales in 2025 will be $160 billion. These estimates may surprise some of the industry’s experts. But there is no doubt that legalization could create a significant boost in the state’s economy.
MJBizFactbook projects that in the first year of sales, Mississippi will generate between $80 million and $97.5 million in revenue. By 2026, medical marijuana sales could reach $627 million.
MJBizFactbook estimates that the market would create over 25,000 jobs, with most of the jobs going to small producers. The law also provides for a social equity and jobs fund to address the economic disadvantage that exists in communities.
In addition, the legislature created a statewide licensing program for marijuana. The Department of Regulation and Licensing will oversee the program. In addition to creating a statewide regulatory framework for marijuana sales, the Department would have the power to limit market supply and prices.
