Rhode Island's Cannabis Control Commission is seeking applications for a new compassion center in northern Rhode Island after a previous plan fell through. They have reopened applications for candidates who qualified in the 2021 lottery, with submissions due September 18. The license is for a business in Zone 1, which includes Burrillville, Cumberland, Glocester, North Smithfield, and Woonsocket. R.M.I. Compassion Center Inc., the initial winner, withdrew its application. Four other applicants qualified in 2021: Livity Compassion Center, Medici Compassionate Care Center Inc., New Leaf Compassion Center Inc., and Pinnacle Compassion Center Inc. These applicants must meet new regulatory requirements to receive the license. While some, like Medici, will not reapply due to the associated costs, others, such as New Leaf Compassion Center, intend to reapply. The application fee is $10,000, with an annual licensing fee of $500,000. An additional $30,000 is required for a hybrid license to sell recreational cannabis. The state continues to work on opening applications for 24 new retail licenses.

Rhode Island Seeks Applications for New Northern Dispensary

Jul 5, 2025

Source:

Marijuana Moment

Rhode Island is making moves to fill a gap in its cannabis landscape. After a previously planned dispensary for the northern region fell through, state regulators have reopened the hunt for a new operator in "Zone 1," covering areas like Woonsocket and Burrillville. Instead of a fresh lottery, they are reaching back to the original 2021 pool of qualified applicants, giving them until September 18 to step up.

The road isn't easy, though. While the $10,000 application fee is waived for these returning players, the ongoing costs are steep—think a $500,000 annual licensing fee plus an extra $30,000 for a hybrid license to sell to adult-use customers. Some former candidates have already bowed out due to these high financial barriers, but at least one is still in the game, aiming to provide both medical and recreational options.

For local tokers, this is great news because more shops mean better competition and easier access without a long drive. It’s also a sign that despite the heavy taxes and fees, the state is committed to expanding the market and keeping the green flowing for the community.

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