RI’s New Cannabis Regulations Take Effect Now — Nearly 200 Pages

RI’s New Cannabis Regulations Take Effect Now — Nearly 200 Pages

Thursday, May 1, marks the official implementation of Rhode Island’s finalized cannabis regulations.

 

The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) has launched a comprehensive set of new rules guiding everything from business licensing and product testing to packaging standards and public safety requirements. These regulations, which take effect today, were developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and public input over the past year.

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One thing is for sure: the four different regulation documents are not simple. In total, the regulatory documents total 189 pages. FIND THE REGULATIONS HERE.

 

“Today’s milestone is the result of intentional planning, collaboration, and a commitment to public trust. Our finalized regulations lay a strong foundation for a cannabis industry that is safe, equitable, and transparent. This is not the end of the process, but the beginning of our ongoing commitment to steward this industry with fairness, transparency, and care,” said Commission Chair Kim Ahern.

 

Changes and updates include:

·        Updated social equity provisions to support impacted communities to date, the licenses issued have had little minority ownership

·        The CCC claim of enhanced consumer protections and labeling requirements

·        Environmental and safety standards for cultivation and processing

·        Further, CCC claims of enhanced child safety protections, including restrictions on packaging and labeling to prevent appeal to minors

 

The Commission claims the regulations are intended not only to govern the emerging market but also to promote long-term economic development, public safety, and equitable opportunity. 

"I feel that the regulations that we have adopted are pro-business, and pro-consumer safety, both of which are essential to the success of this industry”, said Commissioner Robert Jacquard.

In conjunction with the launch, the Commission is inviting Rhode Islanders, particularly prospective retail license applicants, to participate in a short public survey. The survey is designed to gauge interest in future retail cannabis licenses and to better understand what types of licenses respondents are most interested in pursuing.

“Our goal is to make sure the public’s voice remains central as the market evolves,” said Cannabis Office Administrator Michelle Reddish. “This survey will help guide our outreach and education efforts in the months ahead.”