The Rhode Island Senate on Friday gave approval to a resolution calling on the state’s Cannabis Control Commission to develop recommendations for regulating and licensing intoxicating hemp-derived beverages.
The move comes just three days after the measure passed the House, and the resolution will soon be transmitted to Governor Dan McKee.
The joint resolution, introduced by Rep. Scott Slater (D) along with several cosponsors, formally asks the commission to consult with public health and regulatory officials to devise a framework for overseeing hemp-derived THC beverages. These products, often sold as cannabis-adjacent drinks containing psychoactive compounds like Delta-9 THC derived from hemp, are currently available in some Rhode Island stores despite a lack of clear statewide rules.
Lawmakers say the rise of these beverages—typically marketed as smokeless alternatives to traditional cannabis—requires targeted oversight to prevent underage use, ensure consumer safety, and support responsible business participation in the emerging market.
The resolution directs the commission to submit recommendations to the General Assembly by March 1, 2026. The scope of the request includes dosage limits, packaging and labeling standards, licensing conditions, age requirements, and other safeguards. The panel is also asked to study models from other states and consult agencies such as the Department of Health, Department of Revenue, and Department of Business Regulation.
While the resolution itself does not enact any binding rules, it reflects growing concern among Rhode Island lawmakers that the current patchwork of federal and local oversight for hemp-derived THC products is inadequate. If the governor supports the measure, it will reinforce the commission’s authority to begin shaping policy around these controversial beverages ahead of possible legislative action next session.
