Pubdate: Mon, 26 Mar 2012
Source: Day, The (New London,CT)
Copyright: 2012 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.theday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/293

R.I. SENATE TO DISCUSS LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

Providence (AP)- Legislation to legalize the recreational use of 
marijuana in Rhode Island is heading to a hearing in the state Senate.

The Senate Judiciary Committee plans to hear from both sides of the 
legalization debate Tuesday at the Statehouse.

The proposal would lift the ban on possessing marijuana for anyone 
over the age of 21 and impose taxes and fees on the production and 
sale of marijuana.

The committee also plans to review legislation to decriminalize 
marijuana. That proposal would replace criminal penalties for the 
possession of one ounce or less of marijuana with a $150 fine.

Similar legislation is pending in the House. The proposals were also 
introduced last year but did not receive a vote.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom