Marijuana Advocates Critical of Raimondo’s Proposed Non-Binding Referendum
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
For the second time in the past few months, those advocating access to medical marijuana -- and the legalization of marijuana -- have criticized Governor Gina Raimondo's moves to control the issue in Rhode Island.
Protesters of Raimondo's proposed tax on medical marijuana took to the Rhode Island State House in February; now proponents of full-scale marijuana legalization -- which has had legislative proposals in both General Assembly chambers -- are questioning why the Governor is calling for a non-binding referendum.
"We already know that a strong majority of voters do in fact support this proposal (to legalize marijuana). Three Rhode Island polls in recent years have all found that a majority of voters favor the idea, with the most recent one showing 57% of voters supportive and only 35% opposed," said Jared Moffat, Director of Regulate Rhode Island.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST"Since the public has already expressed strong support, we believe Gov. Raimondo and other lawmakers have the mandate they need to move forward on the current legislation that has been proposed," said Moffat.
Speaker Mattiello Considering
“I am considering the possibility of placing a non-binding referendum question on the ballot regarding the use of recreational marijuana. The legislation on this issue has not been considered yet by the House Judiciary Committee. After a public hearing is held in the near future, the House will consider the various options,” said Speaker Nicholas Mattiello is an email to GoLocal.
Medical Marijuana Advocates Opposed to Raimondo's Tax
In February, protesters of Raimondo's proposed tax on medical marijuana, including the Rhode Island Patient Advocacy Coalition, blasted the Governor's proposal to tax the medicine.
The organizer of the event said: Governor Gina Raimondo's proposed amendments in the 2017 budget would tax the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program to the point where patients will not be able to afford their medicine. RIPAC and RCRI will be hosting a protest of the profitization of our Medical Program. The sick and ailing should never be the target of surplus tax revenue. We need to let our Governor know that concept will never change!!!!
Historic Perspective of a Non-Binding Referendum
Common Cause RI's John Marion pointed out that Governors used to have the capacity to put a non-binding referendum on the ballot themselves, but that was done away with in part due to Governor Lincoln Almond.
"Governors used to have the ability to put non-binding referendum on the ballot -- but when Governor Almond put the [non-binding] separation of powers referendum on the ballot -- and it was approved -- the General Assembly moved to say that Governors could no longer do so moving forward," said Marion, who noted that the Assembly then moved on the issue in light of public pressure. "But the next election it went through the body and the public voted for it anyway. So if it's a non-binding referendum [for marijuana legalization], I would assume someone in the Assembly would have to propose it."
Related Slideshow: Who Supports, Opposes Marijuana Legalization in RI in 2016
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