Pubdate: Sat, 30 Mar 2013
Source: Day, The (New London,CT)
Copyright: 2013 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293
Author: David Klepper, Associated Press
Page: B5

RHODE ISLAND GETS NEW POT RULES, MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

Providence- Rhode Island is reducing the penalties for possessing 
small amounts of marijuana and preparing to open its first medical 
pot dispensaries as states around the nation reassess their stance on 
the country's most popular illicit drug.

A new law decriminalizing the possession of an ounce or less of 
marijuana will take effect Monday. Instead of the threat of jail time 
or a $500 fine, those caught with marijuana will receive a $150 civil 
fine. The offender will have to forfeit the marijuana and appear in 
traffic court, but the incident won't appear on their criminal records.

Meanwhile, state health regulators could soon issue licenses to three 
dispensaries that will be legally authorized to sell marijuana to 
those in the state's medical marijuana program. The first of these 
pot pharmacies could open within weeks.

Advocates say the changes reflect changes in public perception of 
marijuana. A national Gallup poll two years ago showed support for 
legalization had reached 50 percent, up from 25 percent in the mid-'90s.

Fourteen states have rolled back penalties for possession, and last 
year, Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize the 
drug. A legalization bill has been introduced in Rhode Island's 
General Assembly but isn't expected to pass this year. Eighteen 
states and the District of Columbia have medical marijuana laws.

"I don't think society sees it as the demon it was seen as 
previously," said state Rep. John Edwards, D- Tiverton, who sponsored 
the decriminalization bill last year. He stops short of supporting 
legalization, however. "In the long term it's probably the right 
policy. But let's see how this turns out before we jump into that."

Critics worry decriminalization could lead to legalization and that 
changing the law send the wrong message to teens.

"Decriminalization says to some people that it's now legal," said 
Kristen Westmoreland, a physician who works for a substance abuse 
prevention program in Barrington. "None of us think that people 
should go to prison for a single marijuana offense. But we need to be 
careful when we change laws, because it gives the impression that 
marijuana is OK."

Under Rhode Island's new law, minors caught with pot must complete 
community service and a drug awareness program. Adults cited three 
times within 18 months face misdemeanor charges. It would remain a 
crime to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of marijuana.

As in other states, efforts to relax pot penalties in Rhode Island 
began with medical marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom