Help us reach our new goal of $5,000!
Thanks to all of our fantastic supporters who helped us reach our initial goal of $2,000! Meeting that goal means that we will be able to purchase the tools we need to help our volunteers become the most effective advocates possible!
Our new goal of $5,000 will provide a modest stipend to our full-time organizer to organize press events, create a team of effective public advocates, and film/produce a series of interviews with supporters from around the state!
Marijuana prohibition has failed
It's time for a new approach
For the past five years I've been working to reform the drug laws in the Rhode Island. Believing that no one should be treated as a criminal for using marijuana, I have been a tireless advocate for the medical marijuana program in our state, and in 2012 I helped lead the student movement to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana. Now my eyes are set on an even larger goal: ending marijuana prohibition in the Ocean State.
Treating marijuana use, sale, and cultivation as crimes has proven to be one of the most destructive and wasteful government policies of the last century. Regulate Rhode Island represents a broad coalition of advocates who believe it's time for a new approach. We seek to implement a responsible regulatory model for marijuana with a system of licenses, taxes, and age restrictions.
With the success of Colorado and Washington and growing public support nationwide, our chances of winning have never been better. But we need your help. Please consider making a donation today.
Our plan to win
Unlike Colorado and Washington, we have to end marijuana prohibition through the state legislature in Rhode Island. The Marijuana Control, Regulation, and Taxation Act is our bill this year, sponsored by allies Representative Edith Ajello in the House and Senator Josh Miller in the Senate. Rallying public support and putting political pressure on legislators will be the key to winning. That means activating constituents in key legislative districts and directing them to contact their legislators and express their support.
Your donation will help our volunteers become more effective advocates. We plan to use the funds to 1) purchase targeted voters lists for phone banking, 2) expand the functionality of our website, and 3) develop a printing budget to purchase signs and flyers. Regulate Rhode Island is an entirely grassroots campaign, with support coming only from citizen advocates like you. That's why every dollar counts, and even a small donation goes a long way.
The Impact
Ending marijuana prohibition in Rhode Island represents a critical step towards ending the failed war on drugs in our state. Legalizing and regulating marijuana would allow law enforcement officers to focus more on serious crime; it would end an unfair form of discrimination against poor communities and people of color; and it would take control of the marijuana market away from illegal drug cartels and put it in the hands of the citizens. By regulating and taxing marijuana we can improve public health and safety while also providing a much needed boost to Rhode Island's economy.
A victory in Rhode Island would also have significance beyond our borders. Adding another state to the list would send a strong message that our movement is growing nationwide, and it would bolster the evolving international conversation about our marijuana laws. By becoming the first state on the East Coast to legalize and regulate marijuana, Rhode Island would inspire its neighbors to take the next step, too.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t support the campaign. Here's what you can do to help Regulate Rhode Island without making a donation.
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Promote Regulate Rhode Island on social media. Share this campaign with your friends and family. Like our page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/RegulateRI) and follow us on Twitter @RegulateRI.
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Become a volunteer and participate in phonebanks and canvassing events. You can sign up by visiting www.RegulateRI.com.
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Write a letter to the editor in your local newspaper, a blog post on your site, or simply start a conversation on your social media page. Tell people about Regulate Rhode Island and encourage them to sign up for email updates and action alerts.
The bottom line is that we need your help to win. This is Rhode Island's year! Please consider supporting us today.