Rhode Island's cannabis regulators have yet to announce the date when they will start to accept applications for 24 new retail licenses, but they have now opened up the initial screening process for those seeking to obtain one of the state's six social equity licenses.
The state's Cannabis Control Commission on Friday launched its online certification portal for prospective business owners to certify that they are qualified for one of the specialty licenses meant for those who were adversely impacted by the War on Drugs, including residents in five municipalities identified as social equity zones.
"Today is more than the start of an application process — it is the continuation of a system that places safety, equity, and transparency at the center of Rhode Island's cannabis market," Commission Chairperson Kimberly Ahern said in a statement. "We are committed to ensuring that this industry not only grows responsibly but also delivers meaningful opportunities to the people and communities who were disproportionately impacted by past prohibition."
The certification process administered by Massachusetts-based Creative Services, Inc. is open through Sept. 29, according to the commission's announcement. Prospective applicants will first have to fill an online form on the commission's website, before receiving a link from Creative Services to the online certification portal — such forms are available through Sept. 24.
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