How to Start a Marijuana Delivery Service in Rhode Island:
2006 was the year Rhode Island first legalized medical marijuana and opened compassion centers. The current governor, Gina Raimondo, also hinted at the potential legalization of recreational marijuana within the state of Rhode Island.
At present, there are a mere three compassion centers within the state of Rhode Island. Part of this is due to the state’s small size, of course. The Department of Business Regulations monitors and regulates these dispensaries. Let’s see how a person might open a marijuana delivery business in the state of Rhode Island.
When was cannabis made legal in Rhode Island
Medical marijuana legalization in Rhode Island initially came into being in January 2006 with the passing of the Edward O. Hawkins’ and Thomas C. Slaters’ Medical Marijuana Act. The state legislature was responsible for signing the bill into law, and the medical marijuana program started in Rhode Island right away after that.
According to the 2009 law, nonprofit compassion centers (dispensaries) would dispense the medical marijuana to registered patients. There are few compassion centers, however. Rhode Island does not allow more than three dispensaries to be registered at the same time.
When was cannabis made legal in Rhode Island – Image powered by Dreamstime.com
How many marijuana businesses are there in Rhode Island
The number of marijuana businesses may not be growing in the immediate future, but the number of patients is. Like in many states, the details of the medical marijuana program in Rhode Island are always changing and, in this case, the changes involve the definition of qualifying patients.
For example, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was added as a qualifying condition in 2016, as were patients who are hospitalized. This is expected to continue growing and expanding, and perhaps may increase the demand for dispensaries. It may also potentially be in preparation for legalizing recreational marijuana in Rhode Island.
Profits of the Rhode Island cannabis industry
Profits of the Rhode Island cannabis industry – Image powered by Providencejournal.com
In 2016, medical marijuana sales totaled $48,800,000. Current projections show that number rising to $103,200,000 in the year 2021. If recreational marijuana is legalized before 2021, it is projected to bring in $101,900,000 in that year.
License requirements
Retail marijuana businesses, known better in Rhode Island as compassion centers, allow for the transport of marijuana to registered patients and/or their caregivers. Getting a license for a compassion center that delivers marijuana is the same process and license as one that does not.
However, since the state is not currently accepting applications for new compassion centers to be licensed, potential marijuana entrepreneurs will likely have to wait until recreational marijuana is legalized before they make their move. Luckily, that could be just a short while away based on the political climate and demand.
Financial requirements
Assuming the application window opens up again, applicants can expect to have to risk $5,000 for the non-refundable application fee. Since it is non-refundable, a rejected application will not result in this money being returned. If you are worried about losing out on that money, be certain you meet the qualifications before applying.
For the license fee itself, the price could range between $20,000 and $80,000. The class of the license determines this price. These figures are based on compassion centers and could change if, and when, recreational marijuana is legalized in the state of Rhode Island.
Financial requirements – Image powered by Onederland.com.au
Timeframe
Starting a marijuana business in Rhode Island might take a while, especially since applications are not currently being accepted. If and when the state welcomes new marijuana businesses it is important to allow plenty of time to get your cannabis business up and running. A good rule of thumb is a year to get finances in order, acquire necessary licenses and line up suppliers and employees.
Links to consulting companies that can help open a Rhode Island marijuana delivery service
Looking to start a marijuana delivery service in Rhode Island? The consulting companies listed below provide a wide range of services from helping with state licensing requirements and applications to running and stocking your business.
- Canna Advisors
http://thinkcanna.com/ - DispensaryPermits.com
http://dispensarypermits.com/ - GreenZipp
https://greenzipp.com/pages/states - Medicine Man Technologies
http://www.medicinemantechnologies.com/ - Green Rush Consulting
http://greenrushconsulting.com/open-a-dispensary/ - Quantum 9 Inc.
https://quantum9.net/portfolio/cannabis-consulting-services// - Comprehensive Cannabis Consulting
https://www.3ccannabis.com/
The post How to Start a Marijuana Delivery Service in Rhode Island appeared first on I Love Growing Marijuana.
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