Rhode Island cannabis became legal in May of 2022. At this time, there are only 6 recreational retail locations in the state, and the Department of Rhode Island Office of Cannabis Regulations has drafted rules which include details about what will be required to apply for a Rhode Island cannabis license. Although the department has approved 6 dispensary locations, there are still 24 retail licenses available. Let’s discuss the requirements in detail below.
Rhode Island Cannabis License Types Available
To begin, Rhode Island will be accepting applications for 5 different license types. In addition to retail, the Department will issue licenses for cultivators, product manufacturers, and “hybrid retail” licenses. To describe, a “hybrid retail” license is a license which can sell medical and recreational cannabis.
Rhode Island Cannabis License Requirements
Now that we have an understanding of what license types are available, lets dig into what is required to apply. First, the department will ask for all owners to be at least 21 years of age, and pass a background check. Additionally, the department will require applicable business entity information. This information will include proof of compliance with local and municipal planning and zoning rules. Most importantly, the department will require standard operating procedures, and business plans that comply with the regulations.
