According to an ACLU report from 2016, Rhode Islanders who are black are three times as likely to be arrested for marijuana possession as white Rhode Islanders. Especially considering the low overall rate of arrest for marijuana possession in Rhode Island, this racial disparity is troubling and striking.
This legislation would have statutorily mandated a study to determine whether these racial disparities exist in both the process to obtain a state license to sell marijuana and in arrest and conviction rates for marijuana-related crimes. We supported his bill, because as Rhode Island moves closer to legalizing marijuana, it is critical to consider the substantial impact on those who were most affected by its criminalization. This bill died in committee.
