Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2364

Introduced
2/15/22  

Caption

The Edward O. Hawkins And Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act

Impact

The bill's passage would signify a significant shift in the state's approach to medical marijuana, expanding the scope of its usage beyond humans to include animals. This revision aims to alleviate suffering for animals with chronic ailments, similar to the intent for human patients. By aligning the legal framework governing medical marijuana with contemporary veterinary practices, the law could foster enhanced veterinary care options, ultimately promoting animal welfare.

Summary

Bill S2364, titled 'The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act', primarily seeks to expand the definition of 'qualifying patient' to encompass not just human patients but also animals that possess debilitating medical conditions as certified by a licensed veterinarian. This adjustment aims to provide greater access to medical marijuana treatments for a broader patient demographic, reflecting a growing understanding of medical marijuana's potential benefits across species. Furthermore, the bill introduces the concept of 'veterinary practitioners' who are authorized to recommend medical marijuana for animals, thereby establishing a framework for veterinary involvement in this domain.

Contention

While the bill garners support from proponents who advocate for animal rights and medical wellness, concerns may emerge regarding regulatory oversight, the adequacy of veterinary training in assessing marijuana usage, and the potential implications for veterinary practice. Critics might argue that the legislation could lead to misinterpretations or misuse of medical marijuana in non-human patients, stressing the necessity for clear guidelines and protocols to safeguard both animal and public health.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI HB1203

Definitions of medical marijuana products.

RI SB56

Revise medical and adult-use marijuana laws; levy marijuana taxes

RI HB1203

AN ACT to create and enact section 19-24.1-24.1 and a new subsection to section 19-24.1-36 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to regulating edible medical marijuana products; and to amend and reenact section 19-24.1-01 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to definitions of medical marijuana products.

RI SB2294

Allowable amounts of usable medical marijuana, medical marijuana recordkeeping, cannabinoid edible products, patient qualifications, and disclosure of information.

RI HB1321

Medical marijuana limitations.

RI H0555

Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Cards

RI HB5135

Marihuana: advertising; use of billboards to advertise medical marihuana; prohibit. Amends secs. 102 & 206 of 2016 PA 281 (MCL 333.27102 & 333.27206) & adds sec. 506.

RI HB395

An Act To Amend Titles 3, 4, And 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Hemp, Marijuana, And Marijuana Products.

RI SB1274

Further providing for definitions; and providing for medical marijuana exemption.

RI SB1104

Medical marijuana; requiring Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to choose certain vendor. Effective date.

Similar Bills

AZ SB1641

marijuana producers; licensure

OK HB2807

Medical marijuana; medical marijuana transporter license; providing issuance of licenses for premises under certain circumstances; directing creation of inventory manifests documenting certain information; allowing certain licensees to maintain and operate warehouses under certain conditions; effective date; emergency.

OK HB2807

Medical marijuana; medical marijuana transporter license; providing issuance of licenses for premises under certain circumstances; directing creation of inventory manifests documenting certain information; allowing certain licensees to maintain and operate warehouses under certain conditions; effective date; emergency.

AZ SB1713

Marijuana; dual licensees; rural communities

OK HB2897

Medical marijuana; transportation license; allowing transport of medical marijuana to patients; warehouses; inventory manifests and logs; signage; effective date.

OK HB2897

Medical marijuana; transportation license; allowing transport of medical marijuana to patients; warehouses; inventory manifests and logs; signage; effective date.