Fall Quarterly Newsletter 2025

Dear Cannabis Community,

Fall in Rhode Island is a season of change and renewal, and these past few months have reflected that spirit beautifully. From July through September, the Cannabis Control Commission and Cannabis Office made important strides toward a safe, transparent, and equitable cannabis market. We launched the adult-use retail application, released key statutory reports, and met with communities across the state to listen, learn, and build together.

We are proud of how far we’ve come, and even more energized by the work ahead. To every licensee, applicant, and stakeholder who continues to walk alongside us, thank you! Your trust, engagement, and partnership power this progress and help us shape an industry that truly works for everyone.

– Michelle Reddish, Administrator

Rhode Island Cannabis Office

Quarter in Review

Social Equity Applicant Status

Certification (SEASC)

Interest in the Social Equity Applicant Status Certification program was strong, with 220 individuals and entities expressing interest and a total of 94 applications submitted for potential certification.

If you have applied for Social Equity Applicant Status Certification, please be on the lookout for an important notification regarding your application on Monday, October 20, 2025, from our vendor, CSI.

The Commission will soon share updates on the next phase of the certification process to keep applicants informed and moving forward.

Adult-Use Retail Licensing

The Commission has officially released the Adult-Use Cannabis Retail License Application and encourages prospective applicants to review the application closely ahead of submission.

Licensing Portal closes on December 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST.

You can view the full application here.

The Commission’s Strategic Plan

The Commission has launched the development and execution of its 2025 – 2027 Strategic Plan, focusing on operational excellence, data-driven regulation, and greater equity in licensing. These priorities will guide the next stage of Rhode Island’s cannabis program and support consistent, transparent progress.

Hemp-Derived, THC-Infused Beverages Study

The Commission has convened a multi-agency working group, including representatives from the Department of Business Regulation, the Department of Health, and the Division of Taxation, to evaluate the state’s regulatory approach to hemp-derived, THC-infused beverages.

Next Steps: Commission and Cannabis Office staff will collaborate with this group to review Rhode Island’s existing framework, examine best practices from other states, and develop recommendations for potential statutory or regulatory updates by March 1, 2026, as directed by the General Assembly through S0984A/H6270A.

Listening sessions will be hosted by the Cannabis Advisory Board throughout winter.

Commission Reports

Diversity in the Cannabis Industry Report

The 2025 Diversity in the Cannabis Industry Report captures key demographic data and participation trends within Rhode Island’s cannabis market. This information will guide future efforts to ensure access, representation, and opportunity across the industry. Read the full report here.

2025 Annual Agency Report

The 2025 Annual Agency Report highlights a year of growth, collaboration, and regulatory advancement. It details licensing milestones, market performance, and financial oversight, offering a transparent look at how the state’s cannabis industry continues to mature responsibly. Learn more about our work throughout 2025 here.

Upcoming Events

Join us for an Access to Banking Panel on Monday, November 3rd at 2:00 PM. This panel will bring together experts to discuss banking access for cannabis-related businesses across Rhode Island.

Location: Virks Building

Room 138B

3 West Road, Cranston

The Commission will continue our Technical Assistance Series with the Preparing for Adult-Use Retail Cannabis License Application Workshop on Tuesday, November 4th at 5:30 PM. This workshop will provide guidance to help applicants understand the retail cannabis license applications.

Location: CCRI Knight Campus

400 East Ave, Warwick

2025 Meeting Update

Please note, the Commission’s December 12, 2025 meeting is cancelled.

Cornerstone Ovation

This quarter, we celebrate Liz Beaven for her outstanding dedication to constituent relations. Liz’s commitment to our stakeholders continues to make a lasting impact on our operations and culture. Thank you, Liz, for helping us move forward every day!

Commissioner’s Corner

This quarter, Chair Kim Ahern represented the Commission across Rhode Island, from public safety initiatives with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to the Luncheon Panel at the 2025 Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations Annual Conference, hosted by the Rhode Island Division of Statewide Planning.

Chair Ahern highlighted our work with the Division of Statewide Planning to map disproportionately impacted areas, as defined by the RI Cannabis Act and our collaboration with the Rhode Island Department of Health on their Responsible Use campaign.

Stay Connected

We remain committed to transparency, engagement, and equity in every part of our work. Stay informed by visiting www.ccc.ri.gov or reaching out to CCCinquiry@ccc.ri.gov.