News Summary
Rhode Island is advancing its cannabis industry with the establishment of the R.I. Cannabis Office and the upcoming Cannabis Grower’s Showcase. Starting September 23, licensed cultivators will present their products to the public at the Cannabis Campus in Warwick. This initiative aims to regulate the rapidly growing market and enhance community engagement. The new office will oversee cannabis regulations while local businesses prepare for growth in employment and production capabilities, further solidifying Rhode Island’s position in the cannabis landscape.
Rhode Island Expands Cannabis Market with New Showcase Event
The state of Rhode Island is set to further develop its legal cannabis industry with the establishment of the R.I. Cannabis Office, which will oversee and enforce the regulations outlined in the Rhode Island Cannabis Act of 2022. The introduction of this new office signifies a step towards organizing and regulating the expanding market, taking over responsibilities previously held by the Office of Cannabis Regulation.
Beginning in the coming weeks, residents who are 21 years of age and older will have the opportunity to purchase legal cannabis at the newly designated “Cannabis Campus” located at 43 John Hicks Drive in Warwick, which is home to urbanXtracts. This initiative will kick off with a “Cannabis Grower’s Showcase,” providing a platform for licensed cannabis growers and processors to introduce their products directly to the public.
Details of the Cannabis Showcase
The first Cannabis Grower’s Showcase is scheduled for September 23 and 24, operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event will take place every weekend through the end of the year, offering free admission to all individuals 21 years and older, provided they present valid identification. Participating cultivators include notable names such as Good Grades, Route 27 Hopyard LLC, Torrwood Farms (also known as Burning Bush), 2JS NY, in addition to urbanXtracts.
Supporting Events and Discussions
In preparation for the showcase, urbanXtracts recently hosted a “Seed to Market Summit” on September 20. The summit featured discussions with Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton and representatives from the Office of Cannabis Management, highlighting the growth and future of the cannabis industry in the area.
UrbanXtracts’ Expanding Operations
Founded in 2018, urbanXtracts is a boutique cannabis company that offers a comprehensive seed-to-market ecosystem, focusing on high-quality cannabis and hemp products. The company is currently expanding its operations with a new 4,000-square-foot greenhouse and cultivation area to enhance its production capacity.
Workforce Updates in Local Cannabis Industry
While the industry grows, workforce dynamics are also evolving. Employees at Warwick’s RISE Dispensary recently voted overwhelmingly to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328, citing concerns over deteriorating working conditions since Green Thumb Industries took over the dispensary in 2021. This unionization movement reflects a broader trend, as other cannabis businesses in Rhode Island, such as Ocean State Cultivation Center and Greenleaf Compassion Care Center, have also sought to improve labor conditions through union representation.
Future Growth and Employment Opportunities
Under the new cannabis regulations, the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission has the authority to issue 24 additional retail licenses. Green Thumb Industries recently strengthened its foothold in the local cannabis market by acquiring Summit Medical Compassion Center and planning to employ nearly 100 individuals at its Warwick site, which is expected to expand to 179 jobs within three years. Most positions will focus on production roles, offering annual salaries ranging between $50,000 to $57,000.
Site Reutilization and Economic Impact
The site in Warwick, previously a prison, is being repurposed for cannabis operations, fostering a cluster of cannabis-related businesses in the area. The planned construction of the Green Thumb facility includes a substantial operational footprint of 200,000 square feet, signifying a significant investment in the local economy and indicating a calculated response to the growing legal cannabis market in neighboring New York.
The launch of the R.I. Cannabis Office and the debut of the Cannabis Grower’s Showcase represent pivotal moments in Rhode Island’s journey toward a regulated and thriving cannabis industry, enhancing both economic opportunities and community engagement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Warwick Advertiser: Cannabis Grower’s Showcase
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Current: Marijuana Unionization
- Google Search: Rhode Island cannabis regulations
- Providence Journal: Green Thumb Industries
- Google Scholar: Rhode Island cannabis industry
- Warwick Online: Marijuana Cultivation Business
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cannabis Industry
- ABC7 NY: New York Marijuana
- Google News: cannabis market Rhode Island
