Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Chair Kim Ahern Resigns, Opening a New Chapter for State Cannabis Oversight
In a significant development for Rhode Island’s growing cannabis industry, Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Chairperson Kim Ahern announced Tuesday that she is stepping down from her leadership position. Ahern, who was appointed in 2023 by Governor Dan McKee, played a central role in establishing the framework for the state’s legal cannabis market.
“Serving as the inaugural Chair has been a tremendous honor,” Ahern said in a public statement. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to help build a regulatory system that is safe, transparent, and equitable for Rhode Island’s adult-use and medical cannabis markets.”
Her resignation marks a key transition for the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission, which has been responsible for implementing the rules that govern the state’s cannabis sales, licensing, and compliance standards. Ahern’s departure comes as the industry continues to expand across the region, with new dispensaries opening and consumer demand growing steadily.
A spokesperson confirmed that Ahern is leaving to pursue new professional opportunities, and the governor’s office announced that the search for her successor is already underway. In the interim, the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission will continue its operations under the leadership of Commissioners Layi Oduyingbo and Robert Jacquard, in collaboration with Administrator Michelle Reddish.
Under Ahern’s guidance, the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission built a foundation for responsible growth and consumer protection. The commission focused heavily on creating a regulatory system that balanced economic opportunity with public safety — ensuring that cannabis businesses met the same high standards as other regulated industries.
Observers credit Ahern for bringing professionalism and integrity to the newly formed Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission, fostering public confidence in an evolving marketplace.
As the state begins the process of selecting the next chair, policymakers and stakeholders are watching closely to see how the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission will evolve. The new leader will face the challenge of guiding the commission through the next stage of market expansion while maintaining the public trust Ahern helped establish.
While Ahern’s tenure has come to an end, the mission of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission continues — to oversee a fair, safe, and thriving cannabis industry that benefits consumers, entrepreneurs, and the state economy alike.
