Thirty-one of the state’s cities and towns will vote Nov. 8 to either approve or reject the establishment of cannabis retail shops in their hometowns; Cranston is not among those 31 and …
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Thirty-one of the state’s cities and towns will vote Nov. 8 to either approve or reject the establishment of cannabis retail shops in their hometowns; Cranston is not among those 31 and currently has no plans to opt out of the ability to have retail locations.
Marijuana legalization, which Governor Dan McKee signed into law on May 25, allows for the possession and home-growing of cannabis for adults ages 21 and older as well as in-store sales which can begin as soon as Dec. 1. A provision within the legislation allows communities to add a referendum question on the November ballot asking to either allow or not allow marijuana retail stores in the city/town. Questions for the November ballot had to be approved by the City Council and sent to the Board of Canvassers office by the end of July so they could submit the questions to the state by Aug. 10; any questions submitted after that date are not eligible for the ballot.
Chief of Staff Anthony Moretti said should the necessary safeguards be put in place, Mayor Ken Hopkins does support distribution shops in Cranston; the stores would increase revenue for the city and, if the city did not allow cannabis shops, individuals would simply travel to neighboring cities – such as Warwick and Providence who will not have this as a ballot question – and bring marijuana back to Cranston. According to the legislation, any participating municipality would receive an extra 3 percent local excise tax.
The city is looking to implement safeguards by seeking approval for an ordinance that falls under the City Code’s “Health and Safety” section and says it will be unlawful for any person to consume marijuana, whether by smoking vaping, or any other method, in a public place. A public place refers to any place to which the public or a substantial group of persons has access and/or view. This includes public streets or right-of-way of the City of Cranston, and associated sidewalks, walkways, alley and alleyways, parking lots, buildings and grounds associated with those buildings that are open to the public, and those portions of apartment houses, apartment buildings and hotels not constituting rooms or apartments designed for actual residences.
Additionally, for this ordinance, all parks, athletic facilities, recreational facilities and conservation areas owned by the City of Cranston constitute as public places and will not tolerate the use of marijuana. If approved by the ordinance committee, it will also be unlawful for any person to consume marijuana, whether by smoking, vaping, or any other method, while operating, or occupying a motor vehicle as a passenger, on a public roadway. While there are already ordinances on the books that restrict smoking in certain areas (like not being able to smoke 25 feet from a school), the ordinance on marijuana would expand those restrictions.
Moretti said Cranston Chief of Police Col. Michael Winquist approached Hopkins about initiating an ordinance addressing marijuana use in public places. Winquist had concerns about public safety and advocated for an ordinance to be put in place to control and restrict its uses. Councilwoman Nicole Renzulli and Councilman Matthew Reilly sponsored the ordinance which will go before the ordinance committee on Sept. 15.
Winquist said he worked with the administration and solicitor’s office, and they looked at ordinances that other cities and towns – such as Bristol, Warren and Barrington – have put forth. He said this ordinance was brought forward because although the state passed the legalization of marijuana, there is no law that addresses where it can be smoked. Therefore, it is up to the local cities and towns to prohibit marijuana’s use in public locations. Winquist believes the use of marijuana in public is an annoyance to people in addition to the smell’s intoxicating effect.
If approved by the ordinance committee and full council, individuals who violate its provisions will be fined. The cost will be $100 for the first offense, up to $250 for a second offense and $500 for a third offense; these offenses would be written to Cranston’s municipal court.
Winquist added that he respects the legislature’s decision even though the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association collectively opposed the legalization of recreational marijuana. The department is doing its best to be prepared for any issues and has eight drug recognition experts who are trained to identify the signs of people operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The department’s main concern is that people will operate a vehicle while under the influence.
Winquist said surprisingly since the legislation has passed, the department hasn’t experienced a lot of people smoking in public locations.
Moretti said Hopkins has full faith and confidence in Winquist and his department and strongly supports him.
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