About the CCC

The Cannabis Control Commission (“CCC”) is an independent commission established by the Rhode Island Cannabis Act of 2022 (the “Cannabis Act”), R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.11-1 et seq. Governor Dan McKee signed into law the landmark legislation establishing the CCC in May 2022, noting at the time that “this bill successfully incorporates our priorities of making sure cannabis legalization is equitable, controlled, and safe,” said Governor McKee. “In addition, it creates a process for the automatic expungement of past cannabis convictions. My Administration’s original legalization plan also included such a provision and I am thrilled that the Assembly recognized the importance of this particular issue. The end result is a win for our state both socially and economically.” 

Governor McKee nominated the inaugural three members of the Cannabis Control Commission on May 17, 2023. The law requires the Rhode Island State Senate to give its advice and consent for each of these nominations. The Senate Judiciary Committee heard these nominations on June 6, 2023, and the full State Senate voted to confirm the Commissioners on June 13, 2023.

The CCC is responsible for the regulation, licensing, enforcement and control of regulated adult-use and medical cannabis in the State of Rhode Island, and is authorized to exercise all powers necessary for the implementation, administration and enforcement of cannabis regulation and policy for both adult-use and medical cannabis in the state. In addition to its regulatory authority over adult-use and medical cannabis, the CCC has assumed full regulatory oversight of hemp and hemp-derived products in Rhode Island.

The CCC operates as an independent state agency, see R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.11-4(j). The transition of regulatory responsibilities contemplated by the Cannabis Act is now complete. The Cannabis Office serves as the operational arm of the Commission and is responsible for compliance and enforcement activities related to medical and adult-use cannabis as well as hemp. 

The Commission is responsible for the regulation, licensing, enforcement and control of regulated cannabis and hemp products and is authorized to exercise all powers necessary for the implementation, administration and enforcement of applicable laws, regulations and policies.