Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin, in partnership with the Conference of Western Attorneys General (CWAG) and the Taubman Center for American Politics and Policy at Brown University, is hosting a forum on marijuana policy in Rhode Island. The forum, entitled Marijuana Regulatory Policy: Lessons from Western States, will feature presentations by government officials and industry leaders from states that have legalized recreational marijuana and medical marijuana.
The forum is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 2016, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Brown University Medical Center, located at 222 Richmond Street, Providence.
"In Rhode Island, important public policy decisions are currently being considered regarding the legalization of marijuana for recreational and medicinal use. Before the State can seriously consider legalizing recreational marijuana, it is imperative to discuss the challenges of creating a robust regulatory framework for a new industry, the cost-benefit analysis of creating a government oversight structure and enforcement of the industry, and the integration of recreational marijuana with the current medical marijuana environment," said Attorney General Peter Kilmartin.
Panelists include:
Marley Bordovsky, Esq., Assistant Director, Prosecution and Code Enforcement, Denver City Attorney's Office, who directs all marijuana issues in the Denver City Attorney's Office
Todd Mitchem, Coalition for Responsible Cannabis Production, an industry group whose mission is to develop industry production standards and protocols which ensure public health and safety, promote consumer protection, and support law enforcement efforts relating overseeing the industry in a consistent manner
Darwin Roberts, Esq., Washington State Deputy Attorney General
Adam Darnell, PhD, Senior Research Associate for the Washington State Institute on Public Policy and author of I-502 Evaluation Plan and Preliminary Report on Implementation, a benefit-cost analysis of Washington's legalization of non-medical cannabis
Massachusetts State Senator Jason M. Lewis, Chair of the Massachusetts Special Senate Committee on Marijuana
"Legalization proponents are quick to mention the perceived financial benefits of the taxation of legalized marijuana and lead with a sense of urgency about getting into the game before neighboring states do; however, there is little to no discussion about the real and significant regulatory, public health, and law enforcement consequences of legalizing marijuana," continued Kilmartin. "It is important to hear from people who are on the ground in states that have legalized recreational marijuana to get a firsthand account of the experience in those states."
In a recent editorial by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Attorney General Maura Healey, along with Boston Mayor Martin Walsh, the three declared their opposition to legalization of marijuana citing the effect on young users and public safety concerns.
Moreover, the Massachusetts Special Senate Committee on Marijuana, which was established with the purpose to research and analyze the policy ramifications if Massachusetts were to legalize the adult recreational use and sale of marijuana, recently issued a report on the consequences of legalization in the state.
The report cited public health, public safety, and economic and fiscal concerns with legalization of marijuana.
• In the area of public health, the concerns included the increase in accessibility and use of marijuana by youth, risk of addiction, the high levels of THC in marijuana-infused edibles, and commercialization and market expansion as marijuana businesses seek to grow revenues and profits by gaining new customers and increasing consumption by existing customers.
• Public safety concerns included the issue that there is no well-accepted standard for determining driver impairment from marijuana intoxication and no equivalent test to an alcohol breathalyzer, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify and arrest offenders and gain convictions in court. Additionally, the banking industry is reluctant to assume the risk and expense in providing banking services to marijuana businesses, leaving the industry to rely heavily on cash, raising security concerns. Also cause for concern is the growth of the unregulated, untaxed black market.
• From an economic standpoint, the Senate report cites concerns that tax and fee revenues may fall short of expectations and certainly short of the cost to implement and regulate the industry as well as the public health costs.
• The report also cited the concerns that the government does not have the capacity to properly implement and regulate the industry and that the state lacked the necessary baseline data on marijuana public health, public safety, and economic and fiscal impacts.
"While a few states initially rushed to pass marijuana legalization laws, the new trend among states is a 'wait and see' approach, recognizing that there is too much at stake. By learning from and monitoring what takes place in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon, we can make a more educated decision on whether legalization of marijuana is right for Rhode Island," said Kilmartin.
"States considering legalization of cannibas for medicinal or recreational purposes are well served by studying the challenges other states have faced in this area. A primary role of government is to protect the public health and safety of its citizens. Protecting consumers, defining standards for producers and retailers, addressing complex banking issues facing the industry and preventing access by children are all issues best dealt with before any form of legalization occurs. A robust conversation regarding the challenges states face when considering the legalization of marijuana will best prepare the electorate of Rhode Island in making this decision," added CWAG Executive Director Karen White.
"This event is important because it dives below the politics and looks at the tough issues of getting the policy right," said James Morone, Director of the Taubman Center for American Politics and Policy at Brown University. "Rhode Island is in a unique spot to learn from the states that have already begun to implement legalization laws, tackle challenges, and improve policies."
More information can be found at http://www.riag.ri.gov/home/MarijuanaForum.php.
Space is limited. Those attending should RSVP to Amy Kempe at akempe@riag.ri.gov or 401-274-4400 ext 2234.