Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S0643

Introduced
3/7/23  

Caption

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

Impact

The inclusion of a criminal background check requirement is designed to enhance the integrity of the medical marijuana industry by ensuring that key personnel do not have felony convictions. If an applicant has a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to any felony offense, their application will be denied. This provision aims to protect public safety and maintain a responsible framework for the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana within the state.

Summary

S0643 seeks to amend the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act by introducing new requirements for individuals involved in the medical marijuana sector in Rhode Island. Specifically, the bill mandates that all owners, officers, directors, managers, employees, and those with business interests in various medical marijuana establishments undergo a national criminal background check as part of their application or renewal process. This includes individuals associated with compassion centers, licensed medical marijuana cultivators, and other related entities.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that these measures are necessary for safeguarding the community and reinforcing ethical standards within the medical marijuana industry, opponents may express concerns regarding the implications of expanded regulatory oversight. Some may feel that these stringent requirements could limit opportunities for individuals with past offenses who seek to contribute positively to this emerging industry by working in legitimate businesses. Thus, while the bill intends to fortify the legal framework surrounding medical marijuana, it may also spark discussions about inclusivity and fair opportunities in the workforce.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6398

Amends and clarity the current law so that the fee required to be paid by the compassion center to the department of business regulations would be an inventory monitoring and tagging fee. Also authorizes those fees to be paid in installments.

RI H8426

Allows for the payment of compassion center fees of $500,000 to be paid in quarterly installments.

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 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 HB2081

medical marijuana; terminal illness

RI HB4142

Relating to marijuana for medical use; and prescribing an effective date.

RI SB176

Relating to marijuana for medical use; prescribing an 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.