The legislative season is in full swing across the country, and pot is hot -- especially in New England

And we’re not even talking about medical marijuana or decriminalization bills, we’re talking about outright legalization bills.

The Rhode Island Fire Marshall has said that he has "serious concerns" about marijuana growing facilities in Rhode Island.

State Fire Marshall John Chartier spoke with GoLocal following a five alarm fire on Kinsley Avenue that was put out on Tuesday, where the Cannabis Producer Association of New England (CPA) had been located. 

Chartier said as an investigation is underway that he couldn't speak to the cause of the fire that began Monday night that required mutual aid from additional Rhode Island towns and injured one firefighter, but he did address his concerns about marijuana growing facilities in general in Rhode Island the state.  

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Activists are hoping a new administration focused on creating jobs will see the legalization of marijuana as an opportunity to do exactly that.

The head of Regulate Rhode Island says a system to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol would create hundreds of jobs and bring in new revenue.
Gov. Gina Raimondo has repeatedly said creating jobs is a top priority.

Raimondo spokeswoman Marie Aberger says the governor believes if there’s a way to legalize marijuana with proper regulations so Rhode Islanders don’t get hurt, then it’s something lawmakers should look at.

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — A tiny spider mite is all it could take to cripple Seth Bock’s business.

Bock grows marijuana, legally, for a living, and the peril presented by just one small insect illustrates how difficult it can be to establish a thriving dispensary.

For marijuana dispensaries, it’s never as easy as sticking a few seeds in the ground and watching the plants, and the profits, grow. “There are so many moving parts to this business,” Bock said.His is one of three medical marijuana dispensaries in Rhode Island, and his experience provides vital lessons for companies in Massachusetts that have won licenses to grow and sell marijuana. The first is expected to open in April.