To the editor:
After 10 years of successful results, the medical marijuana program in Rhode Island has widened to assist more than 16,000 patients who benefit from this alternative medicine. Twenty-six states and the District of Columbia currently have laws broadly legalizing cannabis in some form. Seven states and the District of Columbia have adopted the most expansive laws legalizing cannabis for recreational use.
Most recently, California, Massachusetts, Maine and Nevada all passed measures in November legalizing recreational cannabis. This year the state house has seen many bills with regard to cannabis, from full legalization to another year of study, all with a close eye on our neighbors in Mass. One of these bills in particular effects us here in the East Bay as we have been designated an area that would benefit from a "compassion center.”
With this program continuing to expand and the many patients as well as caregivers (growers) already residing in the East Bay, we need to have zoning in place to create a safe and regulated approach to help guide the cannabis community and the potential business' that may be associated.
As a patient and advocate I have seen many success stories ranging from Autism to Alzehimer's using medicinal cannabis. Rhode Island has continued to be in the top five states with reported cannabis use by population, ranking #3 for use among adults and #4 for ages 12-17 in 2016.
With RI regularly being listed in the top five for usage, maybe it’s time for a different approach. Our state should consider protection through regulation and taxation with successful results in many states ultimately limiting criminal activity and access to black market cannabis while at the same time stimulating the economy here at home, regardless of the debate over cannabis, views pro or con.  Regardless of 80 years of prohibition and a "Reefer Madness" mentality, this issue is at our door step and needs to be addressed. I have requested zoning be put in place, consistent with the comprehensive community plan guiding development opportunities toward already built areas of town, encouraging creative reuse of underutilized structures and continuously improving the existing infrastructure as well as improving the quality and safety of housing for all incomes, ages and abilities while promoting good design and other planning principles.
I ask for your support through open public forum, with guidance from the planning board and town council.
Patrick Rimoshytus
19 Ridgeway Drive