RI Town Considers Ban On Smoking Cannabis In Public

WARREN, RI — Warren may become the first community in Rhode Island to ban smoking or vaping cannabis in public, since marijuana became legal in the Ocean State.

On May 25, Rhode Island became the 19th state in the U.S. to legalize recreational cannabis. The move legalized the possession and consumption of marijuana statewide, though retail stores won't open until at least December. The new law also gives cities and towns throughout the state the power to regulate recreational cannabis in their communities.

The Warren Town Council is working on creating the ordinance banning smoking marijuana in public to discuss at its next meeting on Aug. 9. council meeting. Several councilors raised concerns about the definition of a public space though at their July 12 meeting.

Councilors discussed the ordinance during a meeting earlier this month, where concerns were raised regarding the definition of a public space. The town already has a policy for tobacco, where there's a ban on smoking it at Warren recreational fields and playgrounds.

Town Councilor Keri Cronin asked if the ban would mean for marijuana would mean people could still walk down the street and smoke cannabis. But other councilors said the ban would work more like alcohol, where it's not legal anywhere in public. Cronin also asked how much enforcement is being done with tobacco.

"If we're not enforcing what we're already doing, do we want to add something?" Town Councilor Keri Cronin said.

Other councilors said the ban would work more like alcohol, where it wouldn't just be banned at playgrounds and parks, but anywhere off of private property.