New Ad Campaign Opposes Marijuana

PROVIDENCE, RI—A new ad campaign is about to hit bus stops in Rhode Island. The campaign, which is also going online, is designed to muster opposition legalizing marijuana, its organizers said this week. Medical marijuana is already legal here, but recreational use is not. Smart Approaches to Marijuana says it's a mistake to make weed legal in Rhode Island due to unintended consequences related to drug addiction and highway accidents.

However, legalization has some support on Smith Hill which is considering companion bills (House Bill No. 5555 and Senate Bill No. 420). If passed and signed into law, retailers could sell and advertise marijuana here.

"This campaign is about having an honest conversation around legalized marijuana and the special interest lobby looking to cash in on the next addictive industry," said Patrick Kennedy, former Rhode Island Congressman and Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) Honorary Advisor. "We're optimistic that Rhode Island residents will realize there's a smarter alternative to addressing drug-related incarceration than jump-starting a new industry that will go unregulated."

The ads also compare the pro-marijuana lobby on Smith Hill to the tobacco industry.

"Our painful national experience with 'Big Tobacco' should serve as a wake up call for every politician considering marijuana legalization," said former Rhode Island State Senator John Tassoni.

Besides SAM, Ocean State Prevention Alliance and Whats the Rush, RI?, and SAM Action are opposed to legalization.

Rhode Island Atty. Gen. Peter Kilmartin also opposes legalization.

Courtesy Photo