RI Lifts Ban On Advertising For In-State Marijuana Dispensaries

RHODE ISLAND — Recreational cannabis has been legal in Rhode Island for a year. But unlike Massachusetts dispensaries, Ocean State marijuana shops have been forbidden from putting up billboards and other advertisements.

That changed Monday with Gov. Dan McKee's signature. With the bill becoming law, the Rhode Island Office of Cannabis Regulation can now provide dispensaries with the forms, procedures, and requirements for advertising their products.

"The prohibition on advertising for our state’s cannabis products has put this young and growing industry at a significant disadvantage when competing against our neighboring states’ cannabis operations," state Sen. and bill sponsor Jonathon Acosta (D-Central Falls, Pawtucket), said. "Seeing advertisements for Massachusetts cannabis products right in the middle of Providence is an inequality that this bill will rectify, allowing our own state’s businesses to grow and flourish."

The new law also allows cannabis dispensaries in Rhode Island to advertise in print, on television and on the radio.

"It's unfortunate that it took this long to allow our cannabis businesses to properly compete with dispensaries in other states, but this bill will rectify this oversight to finally allow our state's businesses to advertise their products," bill sponsor and state Rep. Scott Slater (D-Providence), said. "This will keep more money in Rhode Island where it belongs."

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