Are you interested in starting a cannabis business in Rhode Island? The cannabis consultants at New Leaf can help you navigate the process!
This summary of Rhode Island requirements and license application process outlines what it takes to win a marijuana business license. Get started today to meet the demands of consumers! Schedule a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable cannabis consultants in Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Cannabis Consulting & License Application Writing Experts
New Leaf Cannabis Consulting is the #1 Top Rated Cannabis Application Writing, Consulting, and Capital Fundraising one-stop-shop in the U.S. We offer a complete range of services from business model formation and planning, to state licensure, to raising capital and finding investors for the business.
New Leaf has worked with over 180 clients in over 16 different states since we opened our doors in 2015. Our success rate is well over 95% across the board. We offer more services than any of our competition.
If you need cash for your cannabis startup, and/or state and municipal license approval for a completely reasonable price, look no further than New Leaf Cannabis Consulting.
Cannabis Market Condition Overview
Business Climate and Timeline
Need help with your cannabis business license application in Rhode Island? The cannabis consultants at New Leaf have a record of winning recreational and medical marijuana licenses across the U.S.
Adult-Use:
May 25, 2022 — Rhode Island became the 19th state to legalize adult-use marijuana. The Rhode Island Cannabis Act allows for 24 new retail licenses to be issued in six geographic areas of Rhode Island. Sales are expected to start in December 2022.
Rhode Island’s Office of Cannabis Regulation is responsible for the licensing and regulatory oversight of compassion centers, cultivators and cooperative cultivations as well as the oversight of medical marijuana plant tagging requirements. It oversees licensing and regulation of industrial hemp growers and handlers and CBD consumable retailers and distributors.
Medical Use:
In 2006, Rhode Island was the 11th state to legalize medical marijuana. Under the new law, Rhode Island’s existing medical marijuana dispensaries will be able to transition to hybrid stores selling both medical and adult-use cannabis.
To be approved for medical marijuana, a patient must be treated for the following conditions:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
- Cancer or cancer treatment
- Glaucoma or glaucoma treatment
- Hepatitis C or treatment for hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy
- Severe, debilitating, or chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including, but not limited to those characteristics of multiple sclerosis and Crohn’s disease
- Agitation related to Alzheimer’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (for patients 18 or older)
Real Estate & Zoning
In most states, you will need to lock down the location for business operations in the form of either a lease, lease with option to purchase, or a purchase agreement.
Most importantly, during the real estate acquisition process, your company MUST make sure that the actual location COMPLETELY adheres to state and municipal regulations regarding distance restrictions from other businesses such as a daycare or school. An example of this would be Dispensary/Retail. Most times you will not be able to locate your dispensary in a section of the city which is not zoned specifically for retail. Your dispensary location cannot be located anywhere else. Check with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission website for locality resolutions and ordinances.
Usually the next step is Municipal/City/Township Approval. Nine times out of ten, these steps will need to take place before the full license application can be completed and submitted.
Laws and Regulations
As you get started, read up on Rhode Island’s laws, rules, and regulations.
On May 25, 2022, Rhode Island legalized adult-use marijuana, making cannabis legal everywhere cigarettes are permitted. Adults age 21 and older now can possess up to an ounce of cannabis, and may grow cannabis within their primary residence as stated in Bill S2430. Retail sales may begin as early as Dec. 1, 2022. Click here for a PDF presentation on the adult use cannabis program.
Some details in the Rhode Island Cannabis Act:
- Cannabis will be subject to a 20% tax rate (split up into the 7% sales tax, 10% cannabis tax and 3% tax by the municipality where the marijuana is sold).
- Home growing, with a maximum of 6 plants (and a limit of 3 mature plants) per adult over 21 will be allowed.
- Adults 21 and older will be able to purchase and possess up to one ounce of cannabis.
- Civil violations, misdemeanors or felony convictions for cannabis possession that is now legal under the law will be expunged from court records.
- Localities will be allowed to ban adult-use cannabis but cannot ban adult-use sales if the locality already allows medical cannabis sales.
- Current medical dispensaries will be able to be co-located as adult-use. The state will add another 24 retail licenses, bringing total store fronts to 33.
- 25% of the new retail licenses will be reserved for social equity applicants, along with a portion of fees collected by the state going to a social equity fund.
