http://blog.mpp.org/uncategorized/rhode-...-bill/06132012/

Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signs marijuana decriminalization bill

by Robert Capecchi
June 13, 2012

Today, Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee signed legislation into law that will reform how Rhode Island penalizes the simple possession of up to an ounce of marijuana (PDF). Currently, simple possession can be penalized with a criminal misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and/or a $200-$500 criminal fine. Under the provisions of the new law – which will take effect on April 1, 2013 – most violations of possession of up to an ounce of marijuana will be penalized with a simple civil fine of $150!

Rhode Island is the 15th state to remove the threat of jail time for the simple possession of marijuana. Other states are considering enacting similar laws or improving their existing ‘decriminalization’ laws. Where one stands on marijuana policy has become a deciding issue at the polls lately, and support for reform is winning out. Colorado and Washington will vote on measures to tax and regulate the marijuana market like alcohol come November. It’s becoming more and more clear that supporting sensible marijuana policy reform is mainstream politics.

While MPP is definitely pleased by the progress made in Rhode Island, we are not finished with our work in the state. In addition to leading the lobbying effort to pass medical marijuana, compassion centers, compassion center amendments, and the decriminalization law, MPP is spearheading an effort to tax and regulate marijuana distribution in Rhode Island in a manner similar to alcohol. We have wonderful bill sponsors and support from the voters of the Ocean State (PDF), and we’re determined to end marijuana prohibition in Rhode Island and beyond!

Karen O'Keefe, Director of State Policies
Marijuana Policy Project
West Hollywood, California
Phone: 202-905-2023
Virtual fax: 202-552-0982
kokeefe@mpp.org
http://www.mpp.org

Please visit http://www.mpp.org/subscribe to sign up for MPP's free e-mail alerts.

"For certain persons, the medical use of marijuana can literally mean the difference between life and death." -- Lymphoma Foundation of America, HIV Medicine Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and American Medical Students Association, Supreme Court amicus brief, 2004

Go team go!

the real test will come when a person tests positive on a pre employment drug screen.

or a random urine test at a place of work,

or when some little kid tells his classmates that his parents smoke funny cigarettes.

-blue skies

No matter how small a step forward is a step forward.

my testimony during the decrim bill's hearings in RI Senate Judiciary. Third time was the charm. Hard work pays off. After three years we finally got decrim in RI.

Catharine - RI Senate Judiciary Testimony March 2012 - Decrim Bill

Congrats on your run for local office, you go get em!