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9th January 2020

US lawmakers aim to undo change to local medical marijuana rules

Democratic leaders to disable the General Assembly from stopping the expansion of the local medical cannabis industry in Rhode Island

Legislative leaders in Rhode Island said Wednesday they’re working to undo a change to how medical marijuana dispensaries are regulated in the state, to address a lawsuit by the governor.
A provision in the state budget approved last year gave lawmakers the right to veto regulations imposed on the industry. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo sued, arguing the new law violates the state constitution’s separation of powers clause because it gives lawmakers “unchecked control” over executive rulemaking authority.

Democratic House Speaker Nicholas Mattiello and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio said Wednesday they’re filing legislation to repeal the language that required lawmakers to approve rules and regulations relating to the expansion of licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries.
However, they still took issue with how the Department of Business Regulation proposed regulations for dispensaries, with Mattiello calling it “blatant overreach by the executive branch.”
The legislation not only removes the controversial provision, but also imposes limits on regulators. Among them, regulators would be barred from limiting dispensaries based on geographical zones and from preventing any centre from growing its own supply of medical marijuana or limiting the number of plants.
Lawmakers authorized six new medical marijuana dispensaries last year in Rhode Island, for a total of nine.
About Medical Cannabiz World:
In November 2019, Medical Cannabiz World opened its doors to the medicinal cannabis industry, supported by the Maltese government’s commitment to legislation for this high growth sector.  Medical Cannabiz World summit 2020 will focus on the Malta medical cannabis industry as well as global opportunities in the sector, attracting investors, medical researchers, policy makers and entrepreneurs looking to forge exciting new opportunities.