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SB 2872

AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- COMPASSIONATE ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS ACT

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jonathon Acosta and 9 co-sponsors

Rhode Island bill expands medical cannabis access for qualifying patients through revised compassionate access framework and regulatory modifications.

04/03/2026 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (04/09/2026)
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Bill Summary · SB 2872

Legislative bill overview

SB 2872 proposes expanding Rhode Island's medical cannabis access framework under the "Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act." The bill would modify existing regulations governing how patients with qualifying conditions can obtain cannabis for medical purposes. The specific provisions appear focused on broadening patient eligibility, access mechanisms, or dispensary operations within the state's medical cannabis program.

Why is this important

Medical cannabis access laws directly affect patients with chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, and other conditions who may seek cannabis as a treatment option. Changes to compassionate access frameworks can influence affordability, geographic availability, and the speed at which eligible patients can obtain medication. This reflects broader national policy evolution regarding cannabis reclassification and medical utility recognition.

Potential points of contention

  • Patient eligibility criteria - Disagreement over which conditions qualify and whether the list is too broad or too restrictive for genuine medical need
  • Regulatory oversight balance - Tension between ensuring patient access and maintaining adequate safety/quality controls on cannabis products
  • Dispensary operations and equity - Questions about licensing procedures, pricing controls, and whether social equity provisions favor communities previously impacted by cannabis criminalization

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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