The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) voted today to approve its final regulations governing adult-use and medical cannabis, marking a major step in the full implementation of the Rhode Island Cannabis Act.
Immediately following the vote, the CCC will submit the regulations to the Secretary of State’s Office. Per state law, they will become effective after 20 days, on May 1, 2025. On that date, the CCC will assume full authority over the regulation, licensing, and enforcement of Rhode Island’s adult-use and medical cannabis programs.
“These finalized regulations reflect my administration’s commitment to ensuring that cannabis oversight in Rhode Island is fair, transparent, and rooted in safety,” said Governor McKee. “I’m grateful to the commission members, stakeholders, and industry leaders whose collaboration helped shape a strong, thoughtful regulatory framework for our state.”
As part of this transition, the former Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR), previously within the Department of Business Regulation, will become the newly established Cannabis Office, which will oversee the day-to-day operations of the cannabis industry in Rhode Island, led by Administrator Michelle Reddish. The Commission’s final regulations reflect feedback from 381 public comments and a broad range of stakeholder input. They establish a comprehensive framework to ensure that Rhode Island’s cannabis market operates with transparency, safety, and equity at its core.
“These final regulations represent our collective commitment to regulate our growing cannabis industry in a way that is safe, transparent, and equitable. Through extensive public feedback, we’ve ensured that these regulations prioritize safety, industry compliance, and the voices of communities that have been historically harmed by cannabis prohibition. I would like to sincerely thank industry members, stakeholders, members of the Cannabis Advisory Board, our staff, and my fellow Commissioners who contributed to this monumental effort,” said Commission Chair Kim Ahern.
The regulations will officially take effect on May 1, 2025.
