Cannabis retail licenses are coming soon to Rhode Island
CannDev in Rhode Island
Rhode Island will be opening for adult-use cannabis retail licenses sometime in 2025 under a lottery process. Rhode Island has a population of approximately 1,112,308 residents, making it the smallest U.S. state by area but the second most densely populated.
The state will be adding 24 retail stores to the existing 7 medical dispensaries which are likely to become adult-use as well.
Real estate will be required to apply for a license in Rhode Island. CannDev is actively securing locations in this market.
To gain access to our new off-market deals in cities opening soon for licensing please fill out the form here.
We’re excited for Rhode Island to open up for cannabis retail and allow for more access to the public.
Under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, municipalities have the authority to opt out of allowing adult-use cannabis sales, but this is subject to specific conditions.
As of April 2025, 33 of Rhode Island’s 39 municipalities have opted in to allow adult-use cannabis sales, while 6 municipalities have opted out, prohibiting such sales within their jurisdictions.
The six municipalities that have voted to ban adult-use cannabis sales are: Barrington, East Greenwich, Jamestown, Little Compton, Scituate, Smithfield.
Applications timelines have yet to be announced in Rhode Island. We are expecting them to open on the 2nd half of 2025.
There will be 4 licenses per geographic zone, with 6 zones total = 24 licenses.
However, 2 regular retail licenses per zone = 12 retail licenses. 1 social equity license per zone = 6 social equity licenses licenses.
Applicants must meet eligibility, submit a detailed business plan, pass background checks, and pay a $7,500 fee (waived for social equity). Approved applicants enter a lottery. Winners must meet build-out and compliance standards within 12 months. Final license costs $30,000 annually, with phased-in discounts for social equity applicants. Applications open during designated windows.
Application Fee is $7,500 (non-refundable) for applicants. This fee is waived for the initial six social equity licenses.
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