Rhode Island Cannabis Commission Reviews Licensing Rules

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission is close to finalizing regulations for defining 'social equity applicants' for cannabis retail licenses, although a recent meeting resulted in no vote, raising concerns among industry workers. Painesville is introducing new regulations for marijuana and vaping facilities, prohibiting them from operating near schools and parks, and limiting the number of facilities per area. Milford City Council is working on ordinances to manage the placement of recreational marijuana outlets, noting that local regulations cannot completely prohibit medical dispensaries. North Branch has passed an ordinance allowing its first cannabis dispensary while setting a buffer zone from schools, and it will consider further zoning changes. In New Jersey, a proposed bill would allow individuals to self-exclude from dispensaries to address past cannabis-related issues, though some legal experts question its necessity. Overall, municipalities are actively developing frameworks to manage cannabis retail in response to evolving laws and community concerns.