Rhode Island Marijuana License

Rhode Island legalized adult-use cannabis in 2022 (the Rhode Island Cannabis Act), and existing medical compassion centers began adult-use sales that December. The Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) now oversees licensing.

The CCC planned to award about 24 new retail licenses across general, social equity and worker cooperative categories. In April 2026, a federal court paused the process over the state's residency requirement. The legislature then removed residency rules and voided prior applications, and the CCC is refunding fees and preparing new social equity certification and application rounds. Watch the CCC for launch dates.

• Retail, including social equity and worker cooperative licenses
• Hybrid retail for compassion centers
• Cultivator
• Manufacturer
• Testing lab

• Site control and local zoning approval
• Ownership disclosure and background checks
• Social equity certification for equity licenses (new criteria in 2026)
• Residency is no longer required

• Application and license fees: set by CCC rules for the new round; prior round fees are being refunded
• Confirm current fees with the CCC before applying

1. Watch the CCC for the new social equity certification and retail application windows.
2. Prepare site control, zoning evidence and ownership disclosures.
3. Apply during the window; general retail licenses are expected to be awarded by lottery.
4. Complete background checks and inspection.

• Adults 21+ may possess up to 1 ounce in public and 10 ounces at home, and grow up to 6 plants (3 mature)
• Retail licenses are capped and allocated by zone
• Municipalities could opt out by referendum

• A qualifying condition, such as cancer, chronic pain, PTSD, glaucoma and others
• Certification from a practitioner

1. Get certified by a practitioner.
2. Apply through the state medical program.
3. Buy at a compassion center.