Rhode Island Legalizes Recreational Cannabis
May 31, 2022Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed recreational cannabis legalization into law last week, making the state the 19th to do so. After reaching consensus in recent weeks, Rhode Island lawmakers fast tracked the process, with legislators ultimately voting for its passage last Tuesday and McKee making it official Wednesday.
Under the new law’s terms, existing medical dispensaries will be able to apply for a hybrid license in order to serve the general public. Recreational sales at those locations are expected to begin December 1. An additional 24 retail licenses will be issued, split evenly into six geographic areas of Rhode Island, but there will be a two year moratorium on new licenses for cultivators; there are currently more than 60 medical cultivators in the state, all of which will be granted recreational cultivation permits. Cannabis products will carry a 10% excise tax.
With the bill now law, Rhode Island joins Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Maine as states that have legalized adult-use cannabis. In New England, only New Hampshire remains a holdout.—Danny Sullivan
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