RI Begins 'Sensible Drug Policy'

Rep. John G. Edwards (D-Portsmouth, Tiverton) and Sen. Josh Miller (D-Cranston, Providence) joined Protect Families First at a State House press conference this week.

Rep. John G. Edwards and Sen. Josh Miller – lead sponsors of last year’s marijuana decriminalization legislation – joined Protect Families First at a State House press conference on Monday to discuss the impact of the new law on young people and families. The lawmakers had an in-depth discussion of the new rules in place for possession of 1 ounce or less of marijuana, which includes a $150 civil fine to replace the criminal penalties. Only a third or subsequent offense within 18 months of the previous offense would be treated as a misdemeanor. All individuals under the age of 18 caught with an ounce or less of pot will be required to perform community service and complete a drug education course. “I am very proud that Rhode Island will be …

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Governor Signs Marijuana Decriminalization Legislation Into Law

Rep. John Edwards, sponsor of the bill, witnesses the signing of this law. This legislation makes Rhode Island the 15th state in the country to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

Rep. John Edwards and Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee sit for the ceremonial signing of his legislation (2012-S 2253Aaa, 2012-H 7092Aaa), which decriminalizes an ounce or less of marijuana. The new law imposes a civil penalty of a $150 fine for carrying 1 ounce or less, plus forfeiture of the drug. A third offense within 18 months of the previous offense would be treated as a misdemeanor. Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick) sponsored the bill in the Senate.

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Governor Signs Pot Decriminalization Bills Into Law

It eliminates the criminal charge for carrying one ounce or less of marijuana and instead impose a civil penalty of a $150 fine, plus forfeiture of the drug.

The following is from a State House press release: Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee signed legislation Wednesday to decriminalize marijuana, making Rhode Island the 15th state in the nation to sign similar legislation. The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Warwick) and Representative John G. Edwards (D-Dist. 70, Tiverton, Portsmouth), eliminates the criminal charge for carrying 1 ounce or less of marijuana and instead impose a civil penalty of a $150 fine, plus forfeiture of the drug. A third offense within 18 months of the previous offense would be treated as a misdemeanor. The bills were approved by both sides last week. “I’m very happy the governor has decided to support this legislation,” said Rep. Edwards. “I …

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Pot Decriminalization Gets Judiciary Committee Nod [POLL]

Rep. John Edwards' bill, along with the Senate version, now move to floor votes.

Legislators could be making floor votes on bills next week that will decriminalize the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana after it received the endorsements of the House and Senate Judiciary Committees on Tuesday, reports The Providence Journal. According to a legislative press aide for Rep. John Edwards (D-Tiverton, Portsmouth) on Wednesday, his bill (H-7092), also attached to this post, received the approval of the House Juduciary Committee and the floor vote could come as early as next Tuesday. State Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston) introduced similar legislation (S-2253), also attached to this post, which received Judiciary Committee support. A three strike provision now exists in the proposals, invoking a civil penalty and fine…

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Manifold Witness

4:12 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2012

Don't want your second-hand pot smoke. Don't want no second-hand high. Don't want no second-hand lazy. Don't want no second-hand munchies. Don't want your second-hand carcinogens. My kids don't either.   more ›

Letter to the Editor

Letter to Editor: Why We Must Decriminalize Marijuana

Rep. John G. Edwards and Sen. Joshua Miller submitted the following on why they believe marijuana legislation should be passed.

Just last week, the legislature in Connecticut debated and passed legislation that removes the criminal penalty for possession of a small amount of marijuana, replacing it with a civil fine. Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy, who championed marijuana decriminalization, is expected to sign the bill into law. The Rhode Island General Assembly should follow the lead of our neighbors and pass H 5031/S 270, our companion marijuana decriminalization bills. Our bills, like those approved in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and 12 other states, would take a modest step to make the penalties for marijuana possession more proportional to the offense and to allow police to focus their time on more serious matters. Rather than facing up to a year in jail, …

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Island Porkrunner

3:09 pm on Tuesday, June 21, 2011

this is precisely why we have balance of power between executive and legislative branch of government.   more ›