Rhode Island Cannabis Program Updates

The Ocean State legalized adult-use cannabis in 2022 with the passage of House Bill 7593. Since then, nine medical dispensaries have made up the state’s cannabis industry, with each offering both recreational and medical cannabis. The state will reopen its license application window in the future to provide more opportunities to get involved with the Rhode Island cannabis program. 

Here’s the latest update:

Medical to recreational cannabis in Rhode Island 

Nine dispensaries currently operate in Rhode Island. Known as compassionate use centers, each has converted from medical cannabis sales to a combined offering of medical and recreational cannabis. Between December 2022 and September 2023, these businesses reported a total of $86 million in sales. 

Rhode Island recreational cannabis license requirements

The new recreational cannabis law includes plans to dole out up to 24 additional retail licenses to be distributed across six zones across the state. These licenses are to be split equally across six regulatory zones, including two licenses in each zone reserved for social equity applicants. This will bring the total number of Rhode Island cannabis retail stores to 33. 

Cannabis retail license applicants must meet the following requirements, according to the Rhode Island Cannabis Act:

“(1) Apply for a license in a manner prescribed by the commission;

(2) Provide proof that the applicant is twenty-one (21) years of age or older and is a resident of the state;

(3) Undergo a criminal record background check pursuant to § 21-28.11-12.1 and on any terms established by the commission;

(4) Provide proof that the applicant is current and in compliance with all obligations for filings and payments for taxes with the division of taxation;

(5) Demonstrate that the proposed location for the retail sale of cannabis complies with provisions of municipal zoning and regulations or has been approved by the municipality;

(6) Paid a nonrefundable application fee as determined by the commission and promulgated by rules and regulations; and

(7) Prior to issuance of any license and for any period of renewal, the applicant shall pay an annual fee of thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) to be deposited in the social equity fund established in § 21-28.11-31.”

When will the Rhode Island cannabis license applications open?

The only retailers currently serving adult-use cannabis in Rhode Island are those who previously sold medical cannabis and converted to a hybrid license. We know that Rhode Island will open its application window for the remaining 24 licenses at some point in the near future. However, the date remains to be determined.

Are you interested in obtaining a cannabis business license in Rhode Island? Call us to speak with an industry expert at 602-290-9424.

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