(Photo credit: Sasha Beck/Leafly).
Rhode Island is now accepting applications for up to 24 new recreational marijuana retail licenses as the state moves forward with a revamped licensing process ordered by lawmakers earlier this year.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) opened its Adult-Use Retail Licensing Portal on August 7. Applications will be accepted through November 23 under the revised Rhode Island Cannabis Act.
The 24 licenses will be distributed across six geographic zones, with a maximum of four new retailers in each zone. Of the four licenses available in every zone, one is reserved for a social equity applicant and one for a workers’ cooperative, leaving two available to general applicants.
The application period follows legislation enacted June 10 that nullified Rhode Island’s previous social equity certification and retail licensing processes and required the CCC to launch replacements within 60 days. The law also requires the commission to refund application fees paid through the previous retail licensing process.
Rhode Island had initially opened applications for the same 24-license expansion in September 2025, but that process was subsequently voided by the General Assembly’s changes to the Cannabis Act. The newly launched process replaces those earlier applications rather than adding another 24 licenses.
The state is separately accepting applications for Social Equity Applicant Status Certification. Prospective social equity applicants must submit an interest form by September 4 to gain access to the certification process, with completed certification applications due September 11.
State law authorizes four new adult-use retailers in each of Rhode Island’s six geographic zones. If all 24 licenses are ultimately issued, they would substantially expand the state’s retail marijuana market, which currently includes nine existing hybrid and medical marijuana retailers.
Applicants for the new licenses must meet state requirements that include being at least 21, completing a criminal background check, remaining current on state tax obligations and demonstrating that the proposed retail location complies with local zoning requirements or has received municipal approval.
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