Adult-use cannabis sales officially launched in Rhode Island today, December 1, with the industry’s first customers lining up at licensed dispensaries in anticipation, WJAR reports.
The sales launch comes just over a week after regulators awarded hybrid retail licenses to five of the state’s six medical cannabis “compassion centers,” giving them the go-ahead for adult-use sales.
“There should be a lot of economic injection that should come out of this as sales really start to roll through a much more regulated market. We think there should be tons of opportunities for everyone within the state.” — Anthony Georgiadis, CFO of Green Thumb Industries, via WJAR
The Department of Business Regulation said Rhode Island had moved faster than any other New England state in adopting and implementing its adult-use reforms, according to the report.
The state’s top cannabis regulator, Matt Santacroce, said his office is hiring new staff and plans to triple its cannabis inspection abilities.
Rhode Island was the 19th U.S. state to adopt significant cannabis reforms after lawmakers passed the state’s legalization bill earlier this year. Under the measure, adults 21 and older can purchase and possess up to an ounce of cannabis, keep up to 10 ounces at home for personal use, and home-grow up to six (three mature, three immature) cannabis plants.
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