Rhode Island, we did it: cannabis is now legal for adults!

Gov. Dan McKee held a signing ceremony earlier today to officially enact the Rhode Island Cannabis Act

Did you hear the news? 

Earlier today, Gov. Dan McKee signed into law a bill that immediately makes possession and cultivation of small amounts of cannabis legal in Rhode Island! 

Rhode Island has officially become the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adults!

The law establishes a timeline to establish a legal cannabis market overseen by a new regulatory commission. Members will be appointed by the governor with input from leaders of the General Assembly. Existing medical cannabis establishments will be permitted to obtain hybrid adult-use licenses later this year, and sales are slated to begin in December.

The amended legislation includes a policy to automatically clear criminal records for misdemeanor and felony possession convictions over the next two years. Recent changes to the proposal also eliminate fees for medical cannabis patients. A comprehensive summary of the legislation can be found here.

Passage of the legislation represents the culmination of organizing efforts led by MPP and many local advocates over the past several years. We are proud to have been a central part of this major achievement.

I’m grateful to the many volunteers, organizations, lawmakers, and supporters like you who helped make this a reality.