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ARTICLE · 27 MAY 2022

Rhode Island Becomes 19th State To End Marijuana Prohibition

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On May 24th, Governor Daniel McKee signed the Rhode Island Cannabis Act into law, making the Ocean State the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adult-use.

United StatesCannabis & Hemp
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On May 24th, Governor Daniel McKee signed the Rhode Island Cannabis Act (the "Act") into law, making the Ocean State the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adult-use. While adult-use retail sales will not launch in the state until on or after December 1, 2022, adults 21 and older can now legally possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants for personal use, only three of which can be mature. The following summary provides an overview of the key provisions under the Act.

Regulatory Oversight: Who's In Charge?

The Act establishes a new independent regulatory body, the Cannabis Control Commission (the "Commission"), which will be responsible for overseeing the adult-use and medical cannabis programs in Rhode Island. The Commission will be comprised of 3 commissioners to be appointed by the Governor. The Commission will be authorized to issue licenses to cannabis cultivators, product manufacturers and wholesalers, retailers, and independent testing

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