Starting June 30th, 2022 the Department of Business Regulation in Rhode Island is requiring all medical cannabis flower, extracts, and concentrates to be tested for pesticides. The directive was announced in February to give businesses ample time to prepare for this new testing requirement. Rhode Island implemented the new testing requirements in phases to prevent bottlenecks at the state’s four cannabis testing labs. There are currently 67 cultivators in Rhode Island that sell their products to four medical dispensaries currently in operation.
Rhode Island became the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adults 21 years or older in May of 2022. The law allowing for up to 33 new recreational dispensary licenses to be issued. Rhode Island is implementing these new testing rules in preparation for the adult-use cannabis industry to expand quickly with sales expected to begin as soon as December 2022. The Department of Business Regulation has released an updated frequently asked questions document on their website to help explain the new changes.
Find the full story from Providence Business First here: https://www.bizjournals.com/rhodeisland/news/2022/06/23/pesticide-testing-kicks-in-for-ri-grown-cannabis.html
