Overview of Rhode Island’s Cannabis Legalization and Implementation

Rhode Island legalized cannabis for adults 21 and older when Gov. Dan McKee signed the Rhode Island Cannabis Act into law on May 25, 2022. The law, which was sponsored by Rep. Scott Slater and Sen. Josh Miller, immediately legalized possession of up to one ounce of cannabis and allowed adults to cultivate up to three cannabis plants in a private residence. Passage of the legislation represented the culmination of organizing and lobbying efforts led by MPP, which worked with lawmakers and a broad coalition of advocates to build support for legalization in Rhode Island over several years.

Licensed adult-use cannabis sales began in December 2022, initially through existing medical cannabis dispensaries that were permitted to obtain hybrid licenses. The legal market is expected to expand soon, as regulators issue additional retail licenses.

Oversight of the industry is handled by the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission, which is responsible for developing regulations, issuing licenses, and implementing policies related to social equity participation in the cannabis industry. A portion of new cannabis licenses are reserved for social equity applicants and worker-owned cooperatives.

Municipalities were given the option to allow or prohibit cannabis businesses within their jurisdictions through local referenda. At least 25 of Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities have approved allowing cannabis businesses, enabling retail sales in those communities.

Under the 2022 legalization law, Rhode Island implemented a process to automatically expunge many past cannabis possession convictions. In 2023, the Rhode Island Judiciary reported that more than 23,000 cannabis possession convictions had already been expunged, with additional cases involving more complex charges processed afterward as part of the state’s ongoing record-clearing effort.

If you plan to purchase, grow, or consume legal cannabis in Rhode Island, check out this helpful FAQ and Know Your Rights page from the ACLU of Rhode Island.

Stay tuned for more updates on Rhode Island by subscribing to MPP’s Rhode Island email alerts.

Cannabis laws in Rhode Island

Cannabis is legal for adults 21 and older in Rhode Island under the 2022 Rhode Island Cannabis Act. Adults may:

• Possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public
• Store up to 10 ounces of cannabis at home
• Cultivate up to three cannabis plants in a private residence for personal use

Rhode Island also maintains a medical cannabis program that allows registered patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis products and cultivate additional plants for medical use under state regulations.

The adult-use cannabis market is regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission, which oversees licensing, regulatory enforcement, and social equity programs within the industry.

Medical cannabis is permitted: An individual may register as a medical cannabis patient if they have a written certification from a provider and one or more of the qualifying medical conditions.

Timeline of cannabis policy reform in Rhode Island

2006 – The Rhode Island General Assembly overrode Gov. Donald Carcieri’s veto to enact the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act.

2009 – Lawmakers approved an amendment to the medical cannabis law allowing state-licensed medical cannabis dispensaries (“compassion centers”).

2009 - The General Assembly approved legislation to establish the Special Senate Commission to Study the Effects of Marijuana Prohibition.

2010 – The Special Senate Commission to Study the Effects of Marijuana Prohibition met several times and issued a report recommending the decriminalization of possession of an ounce or less of cannabis.

2012 – Lawmakers approved the cannabis decriminalization law, which went into effect on April 1, 2013.

2016 – Lawmakers approved the state budget, which made substantial reforms to Rhode Island’s medical cannabis program.

2016 – Lawmakers approved legislation adding PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions for medical cannabis.

2017 – Lawmakers approved legislation to establish a 19-member study commission on cannabis legalization and its potential effects on the state.

2018 – Rhode Island Department of Health approved autism as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis.

2019 – Governor signed budget tripling the number of compassion centers licenses from three to nine.

2020 – Governor introduces plan to legalize cannabis with state-run stores in her annual budget bill.

2022 – The Rhode Island General Assembly passes the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, legalizing cannabis for adults and establishing a regulated adult-use cannabis market.

December 2022 – Rhode Island begins licensed adult-use cannabis sales through existing medical cannabis dispensaries that receive hybrid licenses.

2023 – The state begins implementing the law’s automatic expungement provisions, clearing tens of thousands of past cannabis possession convictions.

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