“This Bill will correct this injustice while also supporting new local businesses in Rhode Island, by keeping Rhode Islanders away from crossing the border in order to buy their cannabis in neighboring States.”
By Christopher Shea of Rhode Island Current
Rhode Island marijuana dispensaries have taken a step towards being able advertise in their state.
The House of Representatives unanimously passed on Tuesday, a bill which eliminates the ban on advertising by local marijuana dispensaries. This issue was initially left up to the Cannabis Control Commission.
The law, passed in May of last year, legalizing recreational marijuana, called for the Governor to select three members to the Cannabis Control Commission before July 4, 2022.
Gov. Dan McKee (D), who has not yet made any appointments, has caused frustration among local dispensary owners due to lack of direction and promotional efforts. This has also led to less revenue than expected.
According to the bill sponsored Providence Rep. Scott Slater’s (D), the Office of Cannabis Regulation would temporarily take over advertising duties until the Cannabis Control Commission was formed.
The office must provide the dispensary owner with the forms, procedures, and requirements relating to marijuana advertising.
Slater stated in a press release that “this bill will correct this injustice while also supporting new local businesses in Rhode Island, by hopefully preventing Rhode Islanders to cross the border and shop for cannabis in neighboring States.”
Now the measure is headed to the Senate. The Senate is expected to file a companion bill soon, sponsored by Sen. Josh Miller, a Cranston Democrat.
This article was originally published in Rhode Island Current .
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The original post Rhode Island House passes Marijuana Advertising Bill was first published on Marijuana Moment.
