Rhode Island

Rhode Island legalized medical cannabis in 2006 under the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act and adult-use cannabis in 2022 through the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, signed by Governor McKee on May 25, 2022. Recreational sales began through eight hybrid dispensaries (converted medical compassion centers) on December 1, 2022. The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) oversees all regulatory activity. These eight dispensaries generated $120 million in combined sales in 2025. The CCC planned to award up to 24 new adult-use retail licenses across six geographic zones in 2026, but a federal court temporarily blocked the lottery over a residency requirement challenge. Economic analysis suggests the market can sustain up to 40 retail locations. The state imposes a 10% excise tax plus 7% sales tax on adult-use purchases.