Rhode Island’s adult-use recreational cannabis sales began on December 1st, 2022. But where can you purchase recreational cannabis in the state? Currently, Rhode Island has 5 adult-use recreational cannabis dispensaries, with plans to create at least 28 more, totally 33 across the state.

On December 1, 2022, recreational sales officially began in Rhode Island, which started with existing medicinal cannabis stores to provide adult-use sales. There are now just 5 recreational dispensaries allowing adult-use sales to consumers 21 or older. The state established an initial 33 dispensary maximum limit.

The current recreational dispensaries in Rhode Island providing adult-use cannabis sales include Aura of Rhode Island in Central Falls, Thomas C. Slater Center in Providence, Mother Earth Wellness in Pawtucket, Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center in Portsmouth, and RISE Dispensary in Warwick.

Let’s recap the past few months since the official policy changes took place in May 2022.

In May 2022, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee signed a measure into law that enables individuals over 21 to possess, consume and cultivate cannabis, making it the 19th state to legalize cannabis. It also established a new system for sales and taxes at state-authorized outlets, and it expunged prior marijuana convictions. However, it wasn’t until December 1st, 2022 when the first recreational dispensaries began adult-use cannabis sales in Rhode Island. 

In November 2022, voters in 31 cities and towns voted whether cannabis shops should be permitted to start in the municipality where they live. 25 of those communities supported local ballot referendums on to authorize adult-use marijuana businesses and sales in their regions.

Some of the state’s major communities in Rhode Island elected to simply not even post the issue on the ballot, permitting marijuana businesses in their jurisdiction. These cities include Pawtucket, Providence and Warwick, all of which now have active adult-use cannabis stores in Rhode Island.