Existing medical marijuana dispensaries in Rhode Island are preparing as they will likely be the first and only places for adults to purchase recreational marijuana this winter. WJAR reports that the Department of Business Regulation is expected to release the application process for hybrid licenses by the end of next week. Existing medical marijuana dispensaries in Rhode Island can apply for a hybrid license to receive permission to also sell marijuana to adults 21 years and older. There are currently four medical marijuana compassion centers operational in Rhode Island with recreational sales expected to begin around December 1st.
Governor Dan McKee signed the cannabis legalization bill into law earlier this year which requires him to appoint three members to a new cannabis commission with the advice and consent of Rhode Island legislators. According to recent reporting the Governor has not sent over any names and will not do so until legislators return to work in January 2023. Delays in establishing state Cannabis Control Commission will hold up the licensing of new cannabis companies and leave the marketplace with limited retail competition. This is a setback for entrepreneurs who were hoping to start an adult-use only cannabis dispensary in the near future.
Find the full story from Providence Business News here: https://pbn.com/delayed-commission-appointment-process-expected-to-stall-new-cannabis-retailers/
Learn more information from WJAR here: https://turnto10.com/news/local/marijuana-cannabis-pot-retailers-prepare-for-recreational-sales-in-rhode-island-hybrid-licenses-compassion-center-regulations-massachusetts
