Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Opens 2025 Adult-Use Retail Licensing Application Period
By David Ullian
Oct 21, 2025
Rhode Island Opens Adult-Use Retail Licensing Window
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (the “CCC”) has officially launched the adult-use cannabis retail license application period. Applicants must ensure that the CCC receives a complete application by 4:00 p.m. on December 29, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Applications must be submitted through the State of Rhode Island’s Cannabis Licensing Portal.
For additional information on the application submission process, visit ccc.ri.gov/auapp.
Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Overview
The Rhode Island CCC, which now oversees both medical and adult-use cannabis in the Ocean State, has structured its retail cannabis licensing utilizing a hybrid lottery system in which applicants deemed “qualified” will be selected through a lottery.
A total of 24 retail licenses will be awarded across six geographic zones, with four licenses per zone. Within each zone, one retail license is reserved for a CCC-certified Social Equity applicant, one retail license is reserved for a Rhode Island Workers’ Cooperative applicant, and two retail licenses are reserved for General applicants.
Geographic Zones and Potential Host Municipalities
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Zone 1: Burrillville, Cumberland, Glocester, North Smithfield, and Woonsocket
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Zone 2: Johnston, Lincoln, North Providence, Central Falls, and Providence
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Zone 3: Coventry, Foster, West Greenwich, and West Warwick
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Zone 4: North Kingstown, Cranston, and Warwick
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Zone 5: Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Narragansett, Richmond, South Kingstown, and Westerly
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Zone 6: Bristol, Middletown, New Shoreham, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, East Providence, Newport, and Pawtucket
It is important to note that the following municipalities voted in 2022 to prohibit retail cannabis businesses: Smithfield, Scituate, East Greenwich, Barrington, Jamestown, and Little Compton.
Key Application Requirements
To ensure compliance with Rhode Island’s cannabis statute and licensing regulations, applicants must submit detailed documentation across several categories. Required materials include, but are not limited to:
Application
Applicants must submit completed and signed application forms disclosing all interest holders, financial arrangements, and cannabis business interests, as well as a detailed operations plan, business plan, security and safety plan, and municipal approval documentation. Notably, there is no minimum capital requirement to apply, but applicants must show readiness and ability to operate prior to entering the lottery.
Residency Requirement
All applicants must demonstrate that they are majority-owned by Rhode Island residents.
Facility & Zoning
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Property address, plat/lot numbers, and proof of ownership or lease
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Compliance with local ordinances
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Floor / site plans showing facility layout, security systems, and ADA accessibility
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Proof that the property is not within 500 feet of a K–12 school
Business Information
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Legal business name, doing-business-as (DBAs) name, and Articles of Incorporation
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Proof of authority to transact business in Rhode Island and federal tax ID number
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Designation of a Compliance Officer and taxpayer status attestation
Ownership & Disclosures
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Governance documents (operating agreement, bylaws, organizational chart)
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List of all owners, officers, and interest holders
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Disclosure of financial interests, cannabis licenses/violations, and key agreements
Business Plan
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Applicant’s business or cannabis industry experience
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Source of funding and long-term financial sustainability
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Compliance and operations timeline
Security & Safety
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Comprehensive security plan (alarms, cameras, cash handling)
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Vendor safety procedures and secure banking arrangements
Operations Manual
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Recordkeeping, data security, and employee training policies
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ID verification and point-of-sale procedures
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Packaging, labeling, and odor control standards
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Emergency response and community safety measures
Applicants are instructed to submit all questions about the license application process via email to CCC.AURAPP@ccc.ri.gov using the subject line “Adult-Use Cannabis Retailer Question.”
Social Equity Applicants
Applicants who obtain Social Equity Applicant Status Certification (SEASC) through the CCC are eligible for a waiver of the $7,500 application fee.
Stay Informed
Applicants should regularly check the CCC’s website for updates or changes to key dates and application requirements.
For additional background on Rhode Island’s cannabis business applicant framework, see Vicente LLP’s article: Who Can Apply for a Rhode Island Cannabis Business License?
Vicente LLP Can Help
Vicente LLP’s cannabis licensing team has extensive experience guiding applicants through complex state and municipal licensing processes.
Our attorneys can help you:
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Prepare and review application materials
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Ensure compliance with Rhode Island’s cannabis regulations
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Navigate local zoning and community requirements
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Strengthen your business and operations plan
The firm will continue to monitor updates from the Rhode Island CCC and publish additional insights as the retail licensing period progresses.
Applicants are encouraged to begin early to ensure all required documentation is complete and application copies are properly redacted by the December 29, 2025 submission deadline.
If you have questions or need support preparing your Rhode Island cannabis retail application, contact a Vicente LLP attorney for tailored guidance.