PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The Rhode Island governor has called for an increase in medical marijuana dispensaries and an increase in licensing fees to generate another $1.5 million in revenue.
The Providence Journal reports (https://bit.ly/2tpaQTv ) Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondo submitted a budget amendment June 9 calling for “no less than six licensed compassion centers.”
The existing three centers would be allowed to operate a second, retail-only location.
In a letter, state Budget Officer Thomas Mullaney says the additional dispensaries would be in “underserved areas” of the state.
The amendment calls for an increase in compassion center application fees from $250 to $5,000 and annual licensing fees from $5,000 to $25,000.
Asked whether the House would review Raimondo’s proposal during the budget unveiling Thursday, House spokesman Larry Berman says “Everything is on the table.”
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