Rhode Island Moves Toward 2026 Cannabis Retail Licenses Amid Debate Over New Timeline
Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission has set a new course for the state’s recreational marijuana industry, voting 2-1 to adopt a timeline that could see new cannabis retail licenses awarded as early as May 2026. The decision marks a major step forward for entrepreneurs eager to join the state’s expanding cannabis market — but not everyone is happy about the process.
Under the adopted schedule, applications for the state’s 24 available cannabis retail licenses are due by Dec. 29, 2025. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, state regulators will have 90 days to review each application to verify eligibility before the lottery drawing. A 60-day grace period was also added for applicants to secure local zoning approvals — a move that has sparked objections from some who have already completed the local approval process.
Commission Chairperson Kimberly Ahern emphasized the need for transparency, explaining that forecasting the months after the application window closes is vital to keeping the rollout on track.
Commissioner Robert Jacquard, however, voted against the timeline, arguing that extending deadlines gives less-prepared applicants an unfair advantage. Many existing business owners who have already invested heavily in zoning and property costs echoed his concerns, saying the 60-day extension could penalize those who followed the original rules.
Karen Ballou, owner of CultivatingRI, said many businesses have already poured resources into securing compliant properties and paying for permits. She believes regulators should hold a separate lottery for applicants who need extra time to qualify for cannabis retail licenses rather than slowing down the entire process.
Supporters of the revised schedule argue it promotes accessibility, particularly for social equity applicants and worker cooperatives who may lack financial backing. Organizer Emma Karnes of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union said the commission’s approach gives smaller applicants “breathing room” to compete for cannabis retail licenses on a level playing field.
The 2022 legalization act allows Rhode Island to issue 24 cannabis retail licenses, with six reserved for social equity applicants and another six for worker-owned cooperatives. Each of the state’s six geographic zones can host up to four retailers, creating opportunities across the state for local ownership.
Despite frustrations about delays, the commission says its focus remains on fairness, equity, and compliance. As Rhode Island inches closer to 2026, the race for cannabis retail licenses will test how well the state balances regulation with opportunity in this fast-growing industry.
