Appeals court revives lawsuit challenging R.I. cannabis retail licensing provisions

Christopher Allen

11/28/2025

marijuana — TWO LEGAL CHALLENGES to the state’s Cannabis law brought against the Cannabis Control Commission and its former chairperson Kimberly Ahern were upheld by the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals. / PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

PROVIDENCE – The U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals has revived a constitutional challenge to the Rhode Island’s cannabis retail licensing requirements that disputes its social equity provisions, including the requirement that cannabis retailers with a social equity license be at least 51% owned by Rhode Island residents. The opinion reverses a February dismissal by

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