The bill amends Section 21-28.11-10.1 of the Rhode Island General Laws, specifically the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, to outline the transitional period and transfer of authority for the regulation of cannabis. It introduces a transitional period during which the Office of Cannabis Regulation will prescribe forms, procedures, and requirements necessary for the acquisition of hybrid retail and cultivation licenses by compassion centers and cultivators. These requirements include physical premises arrangements, inventory and sales tracking, maintenance of medical marijuana service levels, operating plans, and advertising regulations for hybrid cannabis retailers and cultivators. Notably, the bill allows for the advertising of cannabis and cannabis products by hybrid cannabis retailers and cultivators during the transitional period.

The bill also details the transfer of regulatory and enforcement authority from various departments to the commission or the cannabis office upon the final issuance of the commission's rules and regulations. This includes the transfer of responsibilities from the Department of Business Regulation, the Department of Environmental Management, and the Department of Health, with certain exceptions. The establishment of a "cannabis office" is also mentioned, which will assume the powers, duties, and responsibilities authorized under § 21-28.11-18.1. The bill stipulates that upon the final issuance of the commission's rules and regulations, the term "office of cannabis regulation" in any general law or regulation will be replaced with "cannabis office." The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2885: 21-28.11-10.1