News Summary
Kim Ahern has stepped down as Chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission, a role she held since its inception in 2023. Her resignation, effective October 21, 2025, comes as she seeks new professional opportunities, amidst speculation about her potential run for attorney general in 2026. Governor McKee acknowledged her contributions toward establishing adult-use regulations and supporting a transparent cannabis market. The commission will continue operating under existing leadership while the search for Ahern’s successor begins.
Rhode Island – Kim Ahern announced her resignation as Chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) on October 21, 2025. Ahern, who was appointed as the inaugural chair in 2023 by Governor Dan McKee, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to help establish a safe, transparent, and equitable regulatory framework for the state’s adult-use and medical cannabis markets. A spokesperson indicated that Ahern is leaving to pursue new professional opportunities.
The search for her successor will begin, as confirmed by the governor’s office. In the meantime, the commission will continue its operations under the leadership of Commissioners Layi Oduyingbo and Robert Jacquard, along with Administrator Michelle Reddish. Ahern’s resignation comes in the midst of speculation regarding a potential run for attorney general in Rhode Island’s 2026 elections.
Governor McKee thanked Ahern for her contributions, which include the establishment of adult-use regulations and the launch of the social equity application certification process. These achievements are crucial as the CCC has yet to award 24 new adult-use dispensary licenses, set by the 2022 Rhode Island Cannabis Act. These licenses are not expected to be granted until May 2026. Currently, the commission has significantly increased adult-use cannabis sales, which have totaled over $323 million since the launch of adult-use sales in December 2022.
During her tenure, Ahern emphasized the importance of public health, safety, and fairness in the cannabis regulatory process. The CCC’s adult-use dispensary licenses are to be awarded equally across six regulatory zones, with certain reservations for social equity applications and workers’ cooperatives. Following Ahern’s departure, the commission is now down to two active commissioners.
Ahern has a notable background, having previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor McKee and as a special assistant attorney general. The commission’s next regular meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2025, with the possibility of an earlier meeting to finalize social equity applications.
In her resignation letter, Ahern expressed her pride in the commission’s accomplishments during her tenure and reiterated her commitment to serving the state. Her leadership has played a key role in shaping the cannabis regulatory landscape in Rhode Island, ensuring that the emerging industry is poised for thoughtful growth in the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current
- Providence Journal
- MJBizDaily
- GoLocalProv
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Rhode Island
- Google Search: Rhode Island cannabis news
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cannabis
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