Rhode Island Bill to Decriminalize Drug Possession Scheduled for Public Hearing

Legislation that would decriminalize the personal possession of all drugs in Schedule I through V has been scheduled for a public hearing on March 21.

Rhode Island State House.

House Bill 7315 was filed in January by State Representative Jose Batista along with seven cosponsors. On Friday, the measure was scheduled for a public hearing and potential consideration in the House Judiciary Committee. The hearing will take place on March 21.

According to its official title, HB 7315 “Makes the possession of small amounts of schedule I through V controlled substances, except for the possession of marijuana, civil violations punishable by a ($100) fine for a first offense and up to ($300) for subsequent offenses.”

The reason marijuana is excluded is because personal marijuana possession is legal in Rhode Island. This means if it was included in this bill, it would establish a fine for marijuana that does not currently exist.

According to data compiled and released by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulations, there was $10,216,190 worth of marijuana and marijuana products sold legally in December. The yearly total for 2023 was $107,816,615, resulting in around $15 million in tax revenue.

Rhode Island’s recreational marijuana law was passed in 2021. The law allows those 21 and older to purchase up to an ounce of marijuana from a licensed retail outlet, and they can grow up to 12 plants for personal use.

You can find the full text of House Bill 7315 by clicking here.