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HB 6398

AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE EDWARD O. HAWKINS AND THOMAS C. SLATER MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jose Batista and 4 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill modifies medical marijuana program structure; referred to finance committee for budgetary review before further legislative action.

06/06/2025 Introduced, referred to House Finance
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Bill Summary · HB 6398

Legislative bill overview

HB 6398, named after Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater, is Rhode Island legislation that modifies the state's medical marijuana program. The bill was introduced in June 2025 and is currently under review by the House Finance Committee. The specific provisions are not detailed in the available information, though the naming suggests it may address access, program administration, or patient protections within the existing medical cannabis framework.

Why is this important

Medical marijuana programs directly affect patients with qualifying conditions who rely on cannabis for symptom management, as well as the businesses and healthcare providers operating within the legal market. Changes to these programs can impact patient access, cost, regulatory compliance, and the state's tax revenue from the cannabis industry. Given the bill's placement in the Finance Committee, budgetary or revenue implications are likely being considered.

Potential points of contention

  • Program expansion vs. regulatory burden: Whether the bill expands patient eligibility or dispensary access versus adding compliance requirements that could increase operational costs
  • Funding and taxation: How the program is funded and whether changes affect existing tax structures or create new revenue streams
  • Patient privacy and data security: Any modifications to how patient records are maintained within the medical cannabis registry system

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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