Rhode Island promised a bright green future for people hit hardest by the war on drugs: a shot at owning their own slice of the legalized cannabis market. But reality hit like a bad bong rip — more than half of the applicants just got disqualified. Out of 94 hopefuls, only 36 cleared the state’s exacting social equity requirements. That’s right: a little over a third of … [Read more...] about Rhode Island’s Social Equity Shuffle
Rhode Island
Rhode Island Opens Applications for Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Licenses
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission has officially commenced accepting applications for new recreational marijuana dispensary licenses, marking a landmark moment following years of legislative and regulatory preparation. At today’s commission meeting, Chair Kimberly Ahern announced that applicants for 24 new retail licenses may now apply online, with the application … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Opens Applications for Recreational Marijuana Dispensary Licenses
Rhode Island Maui Minds Its Marijuana Market: $10.39M in August Marks Second-Highest Monthly Sales
Rhode Island’s recreational cannabis market continues to flourish, posting $10.39 million in sales during August—making it the second-highest monthly total on record, just shy of July’s all-time peak. Year-to-Date Growth & Transaction Trends Product Preferences: Flower Reigns Supreme Tax Structure & Allocation Legal Limits & … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Maui Minds Its Marijuana Market: $10.39M in August Marks Second-Highest Monthly Sales
Rhode Island Craft Beer Sector Sees Notable Contractions Amid Industry Slowdown
The state’s once-rapidly expanding craft beer scene is now encountering mounting headwinds: a wave of declining consumer demand and market saturation is prompting closures and prompting the sale of multiple breweries across Rhode Island. Three Breweries Now on the Market In recent weeks, two local producers—Smug Brewing in Pawtucket and Shaidzon Beer Co. in South … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Craft Beer Sector Sees Notable Contractions Amid Industry Slowdown
Rhode Island Launches Social Equity Certification for Cannabis Business Applicants
Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission has inaugurated an online certification portal to screen prospective license applicants seeking one of six social equity retail licenses—designated for those disproportionately affected by past cannabis prohibition policies, including residents in socially impacted municipalities. The certification process is being administered by … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Launches Social Equity Certification for Cannabis Business Applicants
Rhode Island Cannabis Sales Show Little Growth in First Half of 2025
Rhode Island’s regulated cannabis market displayed signs of stagnation in the first half of the year, according to industry data. Retail sales reached $68.7 million between January and June 2025—nearly identical to the figure posted during the same period in 2024. A noteworthy concern for stakeholders is the declining average transaction size. In 2024, the typical purchase … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Cannabis Sales Show Little Growth in First Half of 2025
Rhode Island Halts New Hemp Retail Licenses Amid Review of THC Beverage Sales in Alcohol Establishments
Rhode Island regulators have announced a temporary pause on the issuance of new hemp retail licenses, citing concerns over the growing presence of intoxicating THC-infused beverages being sold in liquor stores and bars. The move signals increasing scrutiny from state officials as they evaluate how cannabis-derived products are entering commercial channels outside the state’s … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Halts New Hemp Retail Licenses Amid Review of THC Beverage Sales in Alcohol Establishments
Rhode Island Marijuana Sales Reach $58.18 Million in First Half of 2025
Rhode Island's cannabis market continues to gain momentum in 2025, with the state's Office of Cannabis Regulation reporting a total of $58.18 million in combined adult-use and medical marijuana sales during the first six months of the year.Of this total, adult-use cannabis sales accounted for a significant $45.4 million, while medical marijuana purchases contributed $12.78 … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Marijuana Sales Reach $58.18 Million in First Half of 2025
Rhode Island Attorney Sentenced for Role in Federal Detention Center Smuggling Scheme
A Rhode Island attorney has been sentenced for her involvement in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into a federal detention center in Cranston, raising serious concerns about professional misconduct and breaches of institutional security.U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr. sentenced 52-year-old attorney Donna M. Nesselbush to one year and one day in federal … [Read more...] about Rhode Island Attorney Sentenced for Role in Federal Detention Center Smuggling Scheme
Mass. attorney pleads guilty to smuggling marijuana-soaked papers into detention center
A Massachusetts attorney pleaded guilty Wednesday to participating in a conspiracy with three others to smuggle contraband into a federal detention center in Rhode Island. Theresa Marie DiJoseph, 51, conspired with three other individuals in late 2023 to smuggle 10 papers soaked with K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center in Central Falls, R.I., … [Read more...] about Mass. attorney pleads guilty to smuggling marijuana-soaked papers into detention center
