Rhode Island Cannabis Chair Resigns Amid License Delays

Rhode Island’s cannabis industry faces a shake-up as Kimberly Ahern steps down from her role as chairperson of the Cannabis Control Commission, just as the state gears up to award long-awaited retail licenses. This move sparks questions about leadership and the future of legal weed in the Ocean State. What led to her exit, and what’s next?

Kimberly Ahern announced her resignation on October 21, 2025, leaving the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission with only two members. This exit comes at a critical time for the state’s budding cannabis market. Ahern, who served as the inaugural chair since her confirmation in June 2023, cited pride in her accomplishments in a letter to Governor Dan McKee.

She had been nominated by McKee shortly after adult-use cannabis sales began in December 2022. Those sales started through seven existing medical dispensaries, giving them a big edge over new players. The 2022 Rhode Island Cannabis Act, signed by McKee, promised 24 new adult-use retail licenses, but none have been awarded yet.

Ahern’s background as McKee’s deputy chief of staff made her a key figure in shaping the industry’s rules. Her letter highlighted a focus on safe, transparent, and fair regulation. “Serving the state in this capacity has been a privilege,” she wrote.

Timeline of Rhode Island’s Cannabis Rollout

The path to legal cannabis in Rhode Island has been slow and steady. Adult-use sales kicked off in late 2022, but expanding the market has dragged on. The commission, under Ahern’s lead, finally opened applications for the 24 new licenses in September 2025. Officials plan to award them by May 2026, according to recent announcements.

This delay has frustrated potential business owners eager to join the scene. Existing dispensaries have dominated sales, raking in millions while newcomers wait. Data from the state’s Office of Cannabis Regulation shows sales topped $100 million in the first full year of adult-use, with medical sales adding another layer.

Here’s a quick look at key milestones:

• December 2022: Adult-use sales launch via medical dispensaries.
• June 2023: Ahern confirmed as CCC chair.
• September 2025: Applications open for 24 new retail licenses.
• May 2026: Expected award date for new licenses.

Ahern’s resignation hits just days after the commission set this timeline, raising eyebrows about timing.

Progress hasn’t been without hurdles. Industry watchers point to regulatory bottlenecks and the need for careful oversight to avoid issues seen in other states, like black market growth or uneven enforcement.

Reasons Behind the Resignation and Potential Next Moves

Speculation swirls that Ahern’s departure clears the way for a political run. Sources close to the matter suggest she’s eyeing the attorney general seat in 2026. In her statement, Ahern hinted at future service, saying she looks forward to new ways to help Rhode Island.

Her exit leaves a gap in leadership at a pivotal moment. The commission now operates with two members, which could slow decisions on licenses and rules. Governor McKee must nominate a replacement soon to keep things moving.

Ahern’s tenure focused on building a strong foundation. She pushed for equitable access, aiming to include diverse business owners in the industry. A 2024 report from the commission noted efforts to support minority-owned operations, though critics say more work is needed.

This change could affect everyday Rhode Islanders. With cannabis now legal, stable regulation means safer products and more tax revenue for schools and roads. Last year’s sales generated over $20 million in state taxes, per official figures from the Rhode Island Department of Revenue.

Some in the industry worry about uncertainty. One business applicant told local media the delays have cost them time and money, and a leadership shift might add more red tape.

Impact on the Cannabis Industry and Future Outlook

Rhode Island’s cannabis market is poised for growth, but Ahern’s resignation adds a twist. The state joins others like Massachusetts and New York in navigating post-legalization challenges. Experts say clear leadership is key to avoiding pitfalls like oversupply or weak enforcement.

Looking ahead, the new licenses could double the number of retail spots, boosting competition and access. A study by the Marijuana Policy Project in 2024 found that expanded markets often lead to lower prices and more consumer choices.

The commission’s work under Ahern included setting strict safety standards, like testing for contaminants. This has built public trust, with polls showing 65% of Rhode Islanders support legal cannabis, up from 52% in 2020, according to a survey by Bryant University researchers.

Still, challenges remain. Black market sales persist, and some communities push back on new stores. The next chair will need to balance growth with community concerns.

Key Statistic	Value	Source
Adult-Use Sales (2023)	$105 million	RI Office of Cannabis Regulation
State Tax Revenue (2023)	$21.5 million	RI Department of Revenue
Public Support for Legal Cannabis	65%	Bryant University Poll (2024)

This data highlights the industry’s potential and the stakes involved.

Ahern’s move underscores the fluid nature of cannabis policy. As states refine their approaches, Rhode Island’s story offers lessons in patience and planning.

Kimberly Ahern’s resignation from the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission marks a turning point for the state’s cannabis industry, blending achievements in regulation with ongoing delays in market expansion and hints of her political ambitions ahead. As the commission pushes forward with license awards and navigates leadership changes, Rhode Islanders can expect a more competitive and accessible market that promises economic benefits and safer options. This development reminds us how policy shifts can ripple into daily life, from job creation to community impacts.