Rhode Island’s governor is making another push to expand the state’s medical marijuana program.
Gov. Gina Raimondo’s $9.4 billion state budget plan for the 2019 fiscal year includes:
- Establishing 15 more medical marijuana dispensaries.
- Adding acute pain to the list of MMJ qualifying conditions.
- Allowing Massachusetts and Connecticut cardholders to buy medical cannabis in Rhode Island.
The governor wants to increase the number of dispensaries from three in order to provide more patient access to MMJ and because she projects a $5.1 million increase in revenue from such a move.
However, the three dispensaries currently operating under state law have resisted the creation of additional MMJ businesses. They argue there’s no demonstrated need for more dispensaries.
The legislature will review the governor’s proposals and present its plan before the 2019 fiscal year begins in July.
The governor has expressed reservations about recreational marijuana, but she has previously floated the idea of expanding Rhode Island’s MMJ program.
– Associated Press
