Cannabis Packaging Rules Could Soon Change in Rhode Island – Here’s What to Know

28 August 2024

Rhode Island’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) is considering updates to its cannabis packaging regulations, potentially allowing colorful designs, QR codes, and detailed cannabinoid profiles on product labels. Under current Rhode Island cannabis laws, packaging must use neutral colors to prevent appeal to children and reduce accidental ingestion. The proposed changes, recommended by the state’s Cannabis Advisory Board, aim to enhance branding opportunities for businesses while maintaining public safety standards. This regulatory shift aligns with the broader goals of promoting social equity and market differentiation in the state’s cannabis industry.

One key update involves requiring labels to display a complete cannabinoid profile rather than focusing solely on THC potency. This move could improve consumer education, especially for medical marijuana patients and recreational users seeking specific effects. By encouraging transparency, the CCC hopes to create a more informed customer base while addressing the growing demand for diverse, high-quality cannabis products. Neon colors and designs mimicking candy or cartoon imagery will remain prohibited to comply with child safety guidelines set by state cannabis regulations.

The proposed changes could significantly impact the Rhode Island cannabis market, fostering a more robust legal market and potentially curbing the influence of the unregulated market, where counterfeit products resembling popular brands have raised safety concerns. However, delays in finalizing these rules have left 24 retail licenses on hold, stalling opportunities for cultivators and businesses to expand. The CCC anticipates a decision within two months, as the state continues to refine its cannabis laws to balance industry growth with public health priorities.