On June 13, 2012, Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed an act to decriminalize marijuana. The possession of an ounce of marijuana is no longer a crime, but is subject to a civil fine of $150 and the forfeiture of the marijuana. This is penalty for a first offense, and a second offense within 18 months. A third offense within 18 months can result in a 30 day jail sentence.
Minors in possession of an ounce of less will be required to attend a drug education class and to perform community service.
The Marijuana Policy Project reports that they were the lead national organization in organizing the campaign for this change, and enlisted support from Students for Sensible Drug Policy, Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, the ACLU and volunteers at Brown University. The Rhode Island Office of the Public Defender, the Rhode Island State Nurses Association, and the Rhode Island Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers also provided influential support at the legislative committee hearings.
Congratulations Rhode Island and Marijuana Policy Project.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Rhode Island decriminalizes marijuana!
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