In Rhode Island, recreational adult-use cannabis sales are expected to begin in December. Governor Dan McKee has identified five existing medical dispensaries that will also sell cannabis sale for recreational adult use.
“This milestone is the result of a carefully executed process to ensure that our state’s entry into this emerging market was done in a safe, controlled and equitable manner,” McKee said, according to a press release.
“It is also a win for our statewide economy and our strong, locally based cannabis supply chain, which consists of nearly 70 licensed cultivators, processors and manufacturers in addition to our licensed compassion centers.”
On Election Day, voters in nearly three dozen towns across Rhode Island were asked if they would allow cannabis commerce in their municipalities. Of those 33 towns and cities, voters in 25 municipalities approve adult-use cannabis businesses in their area. To kickstart the adult-use market in the state of Rhode Island, the following businesses have been approved for hybrid licenses: Aura of Rhode Island, Thomas C. Slater Center, Mother Earth Wellness, Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center and RISE Warwick.
“[I am] pleased with the quality and comprehensiveness of the applications we received from the state’s compassion centers, and we are proud to launch adult-use sales in Rhode Island just six months after the Cannabis Act was signed into law, marking the Northeast’s fastest implementation period,” Interim Department of Business Regulation Deputy Director Matt Santacroce said.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the state’s cannabis business community to ensure this critical economic sector scales in compliance with the rules and regulations put forward by state regulators.”
