The Rhode Island House of Representatives voted today to pass legislation that would allow local marijuana retail outlets to advertise their products, something that is currently prohibited.
The House voted unanimously, 66 to 0, to pass the measure on its final reading. This sends it to the Senate for consideration. Passage in the Senate would send it to Governor Daniel McKee. House Bill 5829 was filed by State Representative Scott A. Slater.
As noted by The Boston Globe, Massachusetts marijuana businesses are currently advertising on billboards along highways in Rhode Island, despite the fact that Rhode Island law prohibits local marijuana stores and dispensaries from placing such ads. The bill approved by the House would change that, giving local marijuana businesses explicit permission to advertise.
“Now that Rhode Island’s recreational cannabis industry is up and running, our dispensaries are facing a significant obstacle when competing with our neighbors in Massachusetts and Connecticut,” said Representative Slater. “This bill will correct this inequity while also supporting these new local businesses in Rhode Island by hopefully keeping Rhode Islanders from crossing the border to shop for their cannabis in neighboring states”.
Under the proposed law the state Office of Cannabis Regulation would be permitted to provide forms, procedures, and requirements for the advertisement of cannabis products within Rhode Island.
For the full language of House Bill 5829, click here.
