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HB 6270

AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Bennett and 5 co-sponsors

Rhode Island would ban all hemp-derived delta-9 THC beverages unless sold or dispensed through licensed cannabis channels.

06/13/2025 Proposed Substitute
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Bill Summary · HB 6270

Bill Summary — HB 6270

Title: AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS — THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT
Status: Proposed Substitute (06/13/2025) — Effective upon passage
Introduced: April 25, 2025 (Rhode Island General Assembly, LC002778)
Referred to: House Corporations

Overview / Purpose

HB 6270 amends the Rhode Island Cannabis Act to prohibit the sale, distribution, possession, and consumption of beverages (including ready-to-drink products and drink-mix powders intended to be mixed into beverages) that contain hemp-derived delta-9 THC, unless such beverages are authorized and sold through the state’s licensed cannabis regulatory framework. The bill’s stated rationale is to protect public health and safety, address regulatory ambiguity around hemp-derived delta-9 THC beverages, and preserve consistency with Rhode Island’s licensed adult-use and medical cannabis systems.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibits selling, offering for sale, or distributing any beverage that contains hemp-derived delta-9 THC in Rhode Island, regardless of concentration or infusion method (Sec. 21-28.11-10.5(b)(1)).
  • Prohibits possession, consumption, or distribution of such beverages unless approved and dispensed pursuant to Rhode Island cannabis laws (chapters 28.6 and 28.11) (Sec. 21-28.11-10.5(b)(2)).
  • Explicitly allows cannabis-infused beverages sold through licensed cannabis establishments regulated by the Cannabis Control Commission (Sec. 21-28.11-10.5(b)(3)).
  • Directs the Cannabis Control Commission, in consultation with the Department of Health, to adopt implementing rules and regulations (Sec. 21-28.11-10.5(d)).

Definitions (select)

  • “Beverage”: any liquid intended for human consumption, including water, soda, juice, energy drinks, ready-to-drink teas/coffees, and delta-9 THC drink-mix powders.
  • “Delta-9 THC”: delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
  • “Hemp-derived”: sourced from Cannabis sativa L. with delta-9 THC concentration not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis (per 7 U.S.C. §1639o).

Enforcement & Penalties

  • Civil penalty up to $500 per violation.
  • Seizure and destruction of noncompliant products by, or at the direction of, the Cannabis Control Commission.
  • Repeated violations may lead to suspension or revocation of retail licenses.

Who Is Affected

  • Hemp product manufacturers, beverage producers, retailers (including grocery stores and convenience stores), and distributors of hemp-derived products.
  • Consumers of hemp-derived THC beverages.
  • Licensed cannabis producers and retailers (who remain authorized to sell cannabis-infused beverages under licensing rules).
  • Cannabis Control Commission and Department of Health (rulemaking and enforcement roles).

Procedural / Timeline Notes

  • Introduced in the Rhode Island House on April 25, 2025; referred to House Corporations.
  • Listed as Proposed Substitute on 06/13/2025 and scheduled for consideration (06/16/2025).
  • The act takes effect upon passage.

Additional note

The provided source document also contains unrelated Michigan statutory text (appears to be extraneous and not part of the Rhode Island bill). This summary covers the Rhode Island LC002778 text titled “The Rhode Island Cannabis Act.”

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

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