Legalizing Rhode Island – Cannabis News, Lifestyle

Gov. Dan McKee signed into law legalizing cannabis in Rhode Island on May 25, 2022. However, the state has had medicinal cannabis since 2006. The new law allows residents over the age of 21 to possess and use cannabis recreationally. Accordingly, some medical regulations will be updated, including the administration of medicinal cannabis to children. Rhode Island is the 19th state to legalize adult recreational cannabis.

What employers need to know about Rhode Island legalization

Of course, when a new state legalizes cannabis, employers are always concerned about what the new laws mean for their business. Consequently, the legalization of cannabis means that Rhode Island employers must update their drug and alcohol policies. Most of the time, however, employers can still ban their employees from being under the influence of cannabis during work hours.

Accordingly, employers cannot fire or discipline an employee for private recreational use of cannabis outside of the workplace. However, there are exceptions to this. Depending on the job, an employer may require the employee to be clean 24 hours before the shift begins. Broadly speaking, an employee in positions that require drug testing, such as B. in commercial transport, not safely rely on cannabis. Or when an employee is on call.

What schools need to know

Legalization comes with new government regulations. One of them outlines what school nurses need to know about Rhode Island’s legalization. The Rhode Island Department of Health is asking school districts to develop a plan for administering medicinal cannabis to students.

In a statement, the Health Department said: “Rhode Island has had medical marijuana since 2006, but there were no policies and procedures for school administration. The regulations require a written and signed statement from the student’s parent or legal guardian releasing the school and staff from liability.”

In addition, school districts must select a room designated for medicinal cannabis. According to the regulations, students cannot self-administer their medication and they are not allowed to smoke it.

The Rhode Island Certified School, Nurses Teachers Association has expressed concern about the regulation, as has the teachers’ union.

Rhode Island legalization details

Rhode Island is the 19th state to legalize adult recreational cannabis. Rhode Island legalization details include:

• Legal for adults over 21 to purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis
• Adults can grow up to 6 plants for personal use.
• The household possession limit is 10 ounces.
• The state will overturn previous convictions for cannabis possession.
• The new Cannabis Control Commission takes care of regulation.
• Cannabis sales are subject to 7% sales tax, 10% excise tax, 3% local tax
• Maximum 33 retail licenses – 25% for social equity applicants* and 25% for worker-owned coops
• One cannabis business license per company
• Possession decriminalized for adults 18-20.
• Regulators will set “serving sizes, doses, and potency of cannabis products.”
• Regulators will set THC concentration limits
• Municipalities can opt out and ban cannabis dealers from their cities.

*These applicants must live in an inhospitable area at or below the poverty line or have a history of arrests and convictions related to the Drug War.