ACLU wins suit against R.I. town’s plant limit restriction
Published: Sep 27, 2017, 2:42 pm • Updated: Sep 27, 2017, 2:42 pm
By The Associated Press
SMITHFIELD, R.I. — A Rhode Island judge has blocked a town’s attempt to go beyond state law by creating a stricter medical marijuana ordinance.
Superior Court Judge Richard Licht issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday that prevents Smithfield from enforcing an amendment to its zoning ordinance that restricts the cultivation and distribution of medical marijuana.
The town in April passed a law that limits the number of plants a licensed grower can have to two. Under state law, growers are allowed to have 12 plants.
More on plant limits
- Humboldt County launches campaign against illegal indoor cannabis grows
- California cities push limits of “reasonable” restrictions on home grows
- Colorado toughens up on home grows, boosts funding for black market enforcement
The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island filed a lawsuit in June, arguing the ordinance infringes on patients’ rights as guaranteed by state law.
Officials have said the ordinance is a way to prevent excessive marijuana sales.
The council’s president didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Topics: courts, home growing, medical marijuana, plant limits, Rhode Island
