Rhode Island's Cannabis Control Commission has set a new course for the state's recreational marijuana industry, voting 2-1 to adopt a timeline that could see new cannabis retail licenses awarded as early as May 2026. The decision marks a major step forward for entrepreneurs eager to join the state's expanding cannabis market — but not everyone is happy about the process.
Under the adopted schedule, applications for the state's 24 available cannabis retail licenses are due by Dec. 29, 2025. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, state regulators will have 90 days to review each application to verify eligibility before the lottery drawing. A 60-day grace period was also added for applicants to secure local zoning approvals — a move that has sparked objections from some who have already completed the local approval process.
Commission Chairperson Kimberly Ahern emphasized the need for transparency, explaining that forecasting the months after the application window closes is vital to keeping the rollout on track.
Commissioner Robert Jacquard, however, voted against the timeline, arguing that extending deadlines gives less-prepared applicants an unfair advantage. Many existing business owners who have already invested heavily in zoning and property costs echoed his concerns, saying the 60-day extension could penalize those who followed the original rules.
Copyright
©420 Intel