The Rhode Island cannabis market is expanding and 2025 is set to be an important year for the industry—but understanding the regulatory landscape is essential if you intend to open a cannabis dispensary in Rhode Island.

One of the most important steps is to obtain a cannabis business license. Failure to follow the regulations outlined by the Cannabis Control Commission can result in frustrating delays and financial losses for aspiring entrepreneurs.

How to Open a Dispensary in Rhode Island in 2025

With this in mind, the following is a brief guide for how to open a dispensary in Rhode Island in 2025…

Business opportunities for cannabis dispensaries in Rhode Island

When the Rhode Island Cannabis Act became law in May 2022, adult recreational use of cannabis became legal in the state. The legislation paved the way for up to 33 cannabis retail licenses to be dispersed throughout six zones around the state, including nine licenses already awarded to medical cannabis dispensaries and compassion centers.

The other 24 retail licenses awarded by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) will be issued to cannabis dispensary applicants who are screened for qualifications, with a lottery for licenses if demand exceeds supply. 

The CCC is still finalizing the social equity regulations for cannabis retail licenses. Cannabis sales in Rhode Island are expected to reach approximately $167 million in 2025, which represents an attractive business opportunity for 24 new dispensaries.

Municipal restrictions in Rhode Island

Keep in mind that some municipalities in Rhode Island do not permit cannabis while others enable it only under particular conditions. The following municipalities have approved the sale of cannabis:

  • Bristol
  • Burrillville
  • Charlestown
  • Coventry
  • Cumberland
  • East Providence
  • Glocester
  • Hopkinton
  • Johnston
  • Lincoln
  • Middletown
  • Narragansett
  • Newport
  • New Shoreham
  • North Kingstown
  • North Providence
  • North Smithfield
  • Richmond
  • South Kingstown
  • Tiverton
  • Warren
  • Westerly
  • West Greenwich
  • West Warwick
  • Woonsocket

Minimum requirements for opening a cannabis dispensary in R.I.

To open a dispensary in the state of Rhode Island, applicants must:

  • Be Rhode Island residents
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Pass a background check
  • Show that the planned retail site conforms with local zoning and rules or has municipal approval
  • Pay a nonrefundable application fee

Guide to open a cannabis dispensary in Rhode Island

  • Select the right license type

The three types of retail cannabis licenses available in Rhode Island are:

  • Retail Cannabis Sales License: the standard license allows for adult-use cannabis sales. The application fee is $7,500 and the annual license renewal fee is $30,000.
  • Social Equity Retail License: no license fee for the first six licenses issued but applicants must reside in a disproportionately impacted area or have a history of cannabis-related convictions.
  • Workers’ Cooperative Cannabis Retail License: for cooperatively owned dispensaries, with the same licensing fees as the standard license.
  • Develop your business plan

Your business plan should outline market analysis and demonstrate to the CCC how your business will meet the financial, security, and operational requirements set forth by the commission.

  • Financial information should include start-up costs, funding sources, and a strategy for long-term sustainability. 
  • Security information should include safety plans, surveillance systems, access controls, and cash management protocols.
  • Operational information should detail inventory tracking, employee training, policies for preventing the diversion of cannabis products, and partnerships or collaborations.
  • Find your location 

Find a location in one of the Rhode Island zones that permits cannabis retail (many opted out). In your license application, submit evidence of ownership or a lease agreement and a draft floor plan that identifies the areas for storage and dispensing, as well as security features.

You’ll need space in an area with good access and visibility, parking facilities, and a building that is compliant with local fire and safety codes—bearing in mind the exclusion zones around schools, religious buildings, community centers, etc.

  • Find the right team of professionals 

Carefully assemble a cannabis dispensary team with the right blend of cannabis knowledge, business/financial skills, sales and marketing insight, compliance and regulatory knowledge, and retail experience. 

The industry is already becoming competitive so finding the right people may not be easy.

  • Submit your application to the CCC

To submit your application, you will need to wait for the appropriate application “window’ and then:

  • Complete the official application form provided by the CCC.
  • Submit all required documentation, including your business plan, security plan, and financial disclosures.
  • Pay the non-refundable application fee.
  • Pass the selection and inspection processes

If your submitted application is complete and compliant, it will enter a random selection process to determine whether it receives provisional approval.

As part of the final review process before receiving a license, dispensaries must pass an inspection by the CCC to check compliance with security requirements. This will assess surveillance systems and secure storage areas, as well as the implementation of a seed-to-sale tracking system and verification that the facility meets all zoning and safety standards. If improvements are required, address these promptly to prevent licensing delays.

  • Market and brand your dispensary

As part of your dispensary launch, you’ll need a unique brand identity and compelling messaging but be sure to comply with the cannabis advertising standards in Rhode Island.

Depending on your marketing strategy and the regulations for your type of dispensary, you may choose social media, community outreach, loyalty programs or paid advertising to promote sales. 

  • Maintain compliance after launch

After you open your dispensary, you must maintain compliance as the cannabis industry is being closely monitored by the authorities in Rhode Island.

You’ll need to make provisions for reporting, audits, inspections, and annual license renewals. A cannabis lawyer can help you stay up to date with the changing regulations, maintain compliance, and address any violations before your business risks fines, license suspension or license revocation. 

Why hire a cannabis lawyer to apply for a dispensary license?

Opening a cannabis dispensary in Rhode Island requires planning and strict compliance. Applications deemed incomplete will not be reviewed by the CCC. You must check that all necessary documents are included, forms are completed properly, and all deadlines are met. Most people find the process much simpler with the help of a qualified cannabis lawyer.

For informed advice about setting up a dispensary anywhere in the U.S., call 866-329-0729 for a consultation at Cannabis Law Solutions.

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