FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING OVER $100.
FLAT $100 SHIPPING FOR INTERNATIONAL ORDERS OVER $300.

0 Products

cart is empty

READING TIME - 4 MIN

Cannabis Now Legal In Rhode Island

Rhode Island is now the 19th state to have legalized cannabis after Governor McKee signed a bill to end prohibition.


On May 25th, Governor Dan McKee signed the Rhode Island Cannabis Act. This effectively legalizes and regulates cannabis in Rhode Island, making it the 19th state to do so. Medical cannabis has been legal in the state since 2006, but this newest act includes provisions such as automatic expungement of past cannabis convictions. 

In an interview discussing the move, Governor McKee said, “The bill I signed today into law ensures that legalization is equitable, controlled and safe. Those were three things that were very important to all of us when we were negotiating this final agreement as Rhode Island begins this new chapter.” 

While it will be several months before adult-use retail sales launch, certain provisions have already gone into effect. Learn more about what the Rhode Island Cannabis Act includes and what it means for state residents.

Reading Time - 4 min


How Does the Rhode Island Cannabis Act Affect State Residents?

While it took months of negotiations between various groups (lawmakers, stakeholders, advocates, and the governor’s office), revised legislation passed through committee, was approved on the floor on Tuesday, May 24th, and then was quickly signed by the governor the very next day. So, what does this mean for state residents?

Adults who are 21 and older may:

  • Possess or purchase up to one ounce of cannabis
  • Possess up to ten ounces of cannabis in their home
  • Possess up to five grams of cannabis concentrate (this does not include the weight of any ingredients combined with concentrate)
  • Transfer up to one ounce of cannabis to another adult
  • Cultivate up to three mature cannabis plants in their home (plus three immature plants)
  • Once adult-use sales launch, they will be subject to the state’s seven percent sales tax. In addition, they will also be subject to a 10 percent excise tax and a local three percent tax for municipalities that allow cannabis businesses to operate.
  • Most fees for medical cannabis patients (including registration and renewal fees for patient cards in addition to plant tag fees for patients who cultivate at home) will be eliminated. 
  • Possessing more than one ounce (up to two ounces) for adults 18 and older will be decriminalized. People will face a civil penalty without the threat of jail time.

Licensing Provisions in the Rhode Island Cannabis Act

For the first two years, only thirty-three cannabis retailers can be licensed for adult-use sales. Twenty-four of those licenses can be new standalone adult-use retailers as long as they acquire the correct license and pay an annual license fee.

The other nine retailers will need to acquire a hybrid license and pay a $125,000 fee in order to be approved for both medical and recreational sales. Sales from hybrid retail establishments may begin as soon as December 2022.

These will be divided up equally among six geographic zones in Rhode Island. In each of these zones, one retail license must go to a social equity applicant and another to a business organized as a worker-owned cooperative. While no single entity will be allowed to possess more than one business license, individuals can invest in multiple companies. 

The legislation also states that additional licenses may be granted if the commission recommends to the General Assembly that they’re appropriate for cannabis-related businesses. This includes, but is not limited to, social consumption sites, cannabis delivery services, etc. 

Expungements and Social Equity in the Rhode Island Cannabis Act

The money collected from cannabis licensing fees will be used to support the “Social Equity Assistance Fund.” This fund is to be used exclusively for:

  • Grants for “approved social equity applicants to pay for ordinary and necessary expenses to establish and/or operate a cannabis establishment.”
  • “To support the waiver or reduction of application and licensing fees…for social equity applicants.”
  • “To implement and administer programming for restorative justice, jail diversion, drug rehabilitation and education workforce development for jobs related to cannabis cultivation, transportation, distribution and sales

A measure that was of particular importance to Governor McKee was automatic expungements of past cannabis convictions. The legislation establishes a much-needed process for individuals to expunge prior misdemeanor or felony convictions for cannabis possession by July 1st of 2024. 

Those who petition the court for relief, however, may have their cases expedited. “The presiding justice may provide for an expedited procedure for expungement of a prior misdemeanor or felony conviction for possession only of a marijuana offense that has been decriminalized subsequent to the date of conviction.”

Stay Up To Date On Cannabis News

While the practical applications for our terpenes extend beyond cannabis, our passion for this science was birthed from the cannabis industry. We genuinely want to see a thriving and successful cannabis industry, so we’ll always be keeping an eye out for important industry news. Follow us for all the latest updates.


READ NEXT → What Is The MORE Act and Will It Federally Legalize Cannabis?

 

See other TERPENES news

Crafting Cohesive Flavors: A Strategic Guide for Cannabis Brands

Align vape, edible, and beverage flavors to meet evolving cannabis consumer demands. Cannabis customers want approachable yet elevated experiences that...

read article

Top 10 Linalool Dominant Cannabis Strains

Which cannabis strains have LOTs of Linalool? Discover 10 profiles dominant in this floral terpene isolate! If you’re assuming that...

read article

Top 12 Fall Flavor Favorites for Seasonal and Limited Edition Products

Formulate seasonal and limited edition products with fall flavors that evoke sensational autumnal experiences! Summer may be in full swing,...

read article

Abstrax Best Sellers: Top Native Strains for Vapes and Concentrates

Curious about our most popular terpenes? Get a sneak peek at our Top Sellers, learn what strains excite customers, and...

read article

Tropicannasulfurs: The Tropical Cannabis Flavorants Behind Your Favorite Strains

Tropicannasulfurs are the REAL compounds behind juicy, tropical cannabis aromas. Learn how these cannabis flavorants are transforming the future of...

read article

4 Ways Dispensaries & Brands Can Sell More Concentrates on 710 and Beyond

Learn how dispensaries and brands can attract new customers to the concentrate category to sell more on Dab Day and...

read article

Get to Know Your Favorite Strain | Gelatti

With genetics like this, it’s no wonder this cultivar is so delectable. Discover the compounds that contribute to the dank,...

read article

Which Light is Right: The HPS vs. LED Debate

What light is best for growing cannabis? Learn how HPS and LED lighting technology may impact bud structure, secondary metabolites,...

read article

Industry Insights: Tap Into Concentrate Curiosity for 710 Sales

Attract new customers and increase sales on Dab Day with concentrates that appeal to diverse cannabis consumers. As the cannabis...

read article

Get to Know Your Favorite Strain | FPOG

Craving a bowl of nostalgia with your Saturday morning cartoons? Discover the aromatic compounds that create the vibrant tropical flavor...

read article