In Rhode Island, Recreational Cannabis Sales Begin
The first legal recreational cannabis products have been sold in Rhode Island, six months or so after the state governor legalized the drug by signing the Rhode Island Cannabis Act.
According to WJAR, the state’s Department of Business Regulation said the implementation timeline is the fastest in the Northeast US region.
On December 1, five dispensaries across the state reportedly opened their doors to eager customers.
These dispensaries were “hybrids”, retailers that previously only sold medical cannabis but were recently licensed to sell adult-use cannabis, too.
According to the Public’s Radio, one of the first buyers of the day was 96-year-old Joe Maraia, a first-time cannabis consumer who bought $40-worth of cannabis-infused coconut macaroons from the Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center in Providence.
“I think they should join the rest of the nation and I think it’s good,” he told the Public’s Radio. “If that’s what the people want, why shouldn’t they get what they want?”
Since legalization was enacted in May, adults aged 21 and over in Rhode Island have been able to possess up to 10 ounces (283 grams) of cannabis at home, possess up to 0.2 ounces (5 grams) of concentrates, and cultivate up to three mature plants at home, along with three immature plants.
