Rhode Island fight for recreational weed gains a heavyweight backer

Rhode Island will join Vermont as another New England state hoping to legalize recreational marijuana through legislation. The bill's primary sponsor has introduced a similar bill for the last several years without much support, but after gaining more traction this year and a co-sponsor from the Senate Majority Leader Dominick Ruggerio, they believe it can pass. 

“I believe that removing marijuana from the black market may make our communities safer,” Ruggerio said. He said Miller’s bill includes important safeguards and will bring money to the state.

“Every year we get more and more support,” he said. “Whether we have enough support this year is something that remains to be seen as we go forward and make our case. I’m optimistic.”