Sips & BitesRI Cannabis Commission Reviews Draft Restrictions On Hemp-Derived THC Drinks
Regulators were asked to study and propose what the state should do about hemp-derived drinks, most of which are produced…
February 5, 2026CHRISTOPHER SHEA
Christopher Shea covers politics, the criminal justice system and transportation for the Rhode Island Current.
Sips & Bites
National NewsOver 60% Of Rhode Island Social Equity Applicants Disqualified
Short one member, RI Cannabis Control Commission continues its work screening cannabis retail license hopefuls
November 24, 2025
National NewsRhode Island Hemp Industry Faces Uncertainty Amid Federal THC Crackdown
The provision closes a loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill that legalized hemp but inadvertently paved the way for the…
November 13, 2025
National NewsNew Rhode Island Retail Licenses Not Ready Until 2026— Too Long For Some Applicants
Applicants who’ve already navigated local approvals object to 60-day window state regulators tacked on to timeline
October 23, 2025
National NewsRhode Island Cannabis Regulators Accepting Applications From Prospective Retailers
Rules require applicants to first be screened to ensure they meet qualifications before being placed in a lottery held in…
September 15, 2025Sips & BitesRhode Island Cannabis Regulators Pause New Hemp Retailer Licenses
Commission awaits findings of a THC drink study mandated by General Assembly
July 22, 2025National NewsCannabis Regulators Accepting Applications For Northern Rhode Island Dispensary
The applicant who won the license in 2021 faced pushback from local zoning officials and eventually withdrew its application
June 30, 2025National NewsHemp-Derived THC Could Face More Regulation Under Rhode Island Proposal
THC drinks derived from hemp were illegal in Rhode Island until last August 2024, when the state began allowing low levels…
June 17, 2025National NewsRhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Finally Approves Inaugural Regulations
“It’s awesome that this finally happened — we’ve been waiting years for this.”
April 14, 2025
National NewsRhode Island Finally Introduces Draft Regulations For Retail Cannabis Market
The public has 30 days to comment on proposed rules that will govern a recreational market beyond seven previously authorized…
January 13, 2025