PORTSMOUTH — Now that recreational cannabis is legal in Rhode Island, the Town Council is considering a ban on the use of all cannabis products at town-owned recreational facilities.

The council voted unanimously Monday night to advertise for a public hearing to be held on Jan. 9, 2023, on a proposed ordinance to amend Chapter 364 of the Town Code, which concerns tobacco products.

Under the code, smoking and other uses of tobacco products are prohibited at any town-owned beach, park, athletic or recreational facility. 

Under the proposal, vaping and cannabis products would also be banned from those properties. The ordinance would take effect upon passage.

The sale of recreational cannabis products to people age 21 and older became legal in Rhode Island on Dec. 1. Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center on West Main Road is one of five Rhode Island dispensaries that’s permitted to sell recreational cannabis, along with medical marijuana.

“I just think it’s something we need to update to make sure that people aren’t inundated with tobacco, marijuana and vaping products while they’re sitting on the beach with their kids,” said council member Keith Hamilton, who proposed the amendment.

In response to a question by council member J. Mark Ryan, Police Chief Brian Peters said putting all of aforementioned products under one ordinance would simplify enforcement for police.

The Jan. 9 meeting begins at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.