Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2371

Introduced
2/15/22  

Caption

Medical Marijuana Act

Impact

The proposed changes are expected to significantly affect the operations of compassion centers and medical marijuana establishments by instituting new barriers to entry for those with felony convictions. This is viewed as a measure to prevent individuals with serious criminal backgrounds from participating in the industry, thus aiming to promote a more responsible and secure medical marijuana marketplace.

Summary

Bill S2371, introduced in the Rhode Island General Assembly, amends the 'Medical Marijuana Act' to include provisions for mandatory criminal background checks for certain individuals involved in the medical marijuana industry. This includes owners, officers, managers, and employees of compassion centers, medical marijuana cultivators, and anyone holding a registry identification card. The requirement entails submitting fingerprints for a national criminal identification check, aiming to enhance the integrity and security within the medical marijuana field.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill raises important questions regarding personal rights and industry accessibility. Advocates argue that the stringent background checks are necessary to maintain a safe environment, while critics may challenge the fairness of imposing such restrictions, suggesting it could unfairly limit employment opportunities for individuals with past offenses who seek to contribute to the medical marijuana industry. The implications of these changes could lead to discussions about the broader effects such policies have on rehabilitation and reintegration into the workforce.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI HB1203

Definitions of medical marijuana products.

RI HB1321

Medical marijuana limitations.

RI SB2294

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

RI H0555

Medical Marijuana Use Registry Identification Cards

RI HB2081

medical marijuana; terminal illness

RI SB56

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

RI H0719

Medical Use of Marijuana

RI SB512

Medical Marijuana Edibles:

RI HB2237

Medical marijuana; requiring employees of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries to apply for and receive medical marijuana credentials from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority; codification; effective date.

RI HB2237

Medical marijuana; requiring employees of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries to apply for and receive medical marijuana credentials from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority; codification; 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.