Raimondo open to referendum on legalizing marijuana

PROVIDENCE – Gov. Gina M. Raimondo is open to the idea of allowing a referendum on the legalization of recreational marijuana.
The governor on Tuesday met with reporters for lunch at the R.I. Department of Administration to talk about various topics, including ongoing policy questions regarding marijuana.
“I am open to that,” said the first-term governor when asked whether she’d consider allowing a referendum on legalization.
“It’s a big decision and I could see the logic in saying that it’s the kind of thing that people ought to have a say in,” she added. “It doesn’t [mean] I’m committed to it, but I’m open to it.”
Raimondo claims to have sought out Colorado Gov. John W. Hickenlooper at a recent National Governors Association meeting to hear firsthand about the benefits and challenges associated with recreational marijuana. The governor’s staff has continued those conversations, she added.
“I could see Rhode Island getting there, but I’m not going to rush it because there are issues of safety and how [it should be regulated,]” she said.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington, along with the District of Columbia.
Rep. Scott Slater, D-Providence, earlier this year introduced legislation that would legalize and tax marijuana similarly to alcohol.

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