News Summary
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission has revoked Anthony Walker’s cultivation license after his arrest for marijuana possession, highlighting compliance issues in the cannabis industry. Concurrently, proposed legislation threatens to impact the state’s hemp industry, raising concerns among local farmers about potential unfair competition and regulation changes.
Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission Revokes Cultivation License
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission has revoked the cannabis cultivation license of Anthony Walker, 44, who operated THCBD LLC in Richmond. This decision follows Walker’s arrest in June 2023 for possession of 250 pounds of marijuana, highlighting serious violations that raised concerns about compliance within the state’s cannabis industry.
Walker’s arrest stemmed from an incident in which he fled a scheduled large destruction event at a grow site in Hopkinton, hauling marijuana in a U-Haul. He was apprehended after a K-9 team tracked him down in a wooded area near Meadowbrook Pond. The grow location at 49 Mechanic St., though previously licensed, had been subjected to an administrative hold due to earlier violations noted as of December 2023.
Proposed Legislation Affects Hemp Industry
Meanwhile, the proposed bills H6056 and H6270 threaten to impact Lovewell Farms, Rhode Island’s only USDA organic hemp farm and the largest outdoor cannabis farm in the state. These bills are designed to regulate the sale of hemp-derived beverages that contain delta-9 THC, which could significantly limit market access for licensed hemp farms, including Lovewell Farms.
Introduced by Democratic Representatives Jacquelyn Baginski and Scott Slater, the bills have drawn criticism for potentially misrepresenting the current regulatory framework governing consumable hemp products in Rhode Island. Licensed hemp products are already produced under stringent regulations that include licensing, batch testing, allowable THC limits, labeling, and age restrictions.
The introduction of these bills has raised alarms among hemp farmers, who express concern about facing unfair competition from unregulated products. Slater’s legislation would prohibit the sale of certain hemp-derived THC beverages unless they are sold through dispensaries, a move that could disproportionately affect compliant producers in the market.
Concerns Over Regulation and Product Safety
Hemp farmers contend that the proposed legislation overlooks scientific understandings concerning the varied effects of different hemp products. For instance, hemp products that feature high CBD-to-THC ratios are often non-intoxicating, distinguishing them from high-potency THC products that the proposed regulations might classify together. Furthermore, the legislation would shift the control of hemp beverage sales to liquor stores or cannabis dispensaries, which could jeopardize local farmers who are vital to the hemp market.
The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission has acknowledged the pressing need for more effective regulations aimed at ensuring product safety and upholding the integrity of the industry. Independent laboratory representatives have advocated for tightening state regulations to eliminate deceptive testing results and enhance product quality.
Concerns have been raised over the lack of oversight in cannabis testing laboratories, which may produce skewed results at the expense of accuracy. In light of these issues, the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission held a public meeting to address challenges related to cannabis testing. They emphasized the crucial role that laboratory involvement could play in regulatory discussions.
Future Directions
In response to growing concerns within the industry, the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission is planning to introduce an open data portal. This platform is intended to track the THC potency content reported by laboratories, promoting improved transparency and accountability in product testing.
As Rhode Island continues to navigate the complexities of its cannabis and hemp industries, the recent developments surrounding Anthony Walker and the proposed legislation reflect the challenges and evolving nature of regulatory landscapes in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Rhode Island Current: Hemp Producers Demand Fair Regulations
- Providence Journal: Police Chase U-Haul with Marijuana
- ABC6 News: Arrests Made in Hopkinton Traffic Stop
- WPRI: Firearms Charges in Hopkinton
- MetroWest Daily News: Cannabis Testing Labs Seek Regulation
- Wikipedia: Cannabis in Rhode Island
- Google Search: Rhode Island cannabis regulations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cannabis
- Google News: Rhode Island cannabis news
- Google Scholar: Cannabis regulations Rhode Island
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
