Cannabis retail use.

§ 255-9100. Cannabis retail use. [Added 1-13-2026 by Ord. No. 2025-23]

CANNABIS RETAIL USE — An entity licensed pursuant to RIGL § 21-28.11-10.2 to purchase and deliver cannabis and cannabis products from cannabis establishments and to deliver, sell or otherwise transfer cannabis and cannabis products to cannabis establishments and to consumers.

B. Licensing. A cannabis retail use shall be licensed by the state of Rhode Island and shall be at all times in compliance with the laws of Rhode Island, regulations duly promulgated thereunder, and the provisions of this code.

C. Proximity to other land uses. The separation distances noted below shall be measured from the nearest portion of the property dedicated to the cannabis retail use, such as the retail building, parking area, or entry way onto the subject property to the other land use or zone as outlined herein.

- (1) No cannabis retail use shall be located within five hundred (500) feet from the land uses listed below:

- (2) No cannabis retail use shall be located within two hundred (200) feet from a residential zoning district or religious places of worship.

- (3) No cannabis retail use shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of a residential structure in any zone.

- (1) There shall be at least a ten (10) foot vegetative, evergreen buffer installed along the nearest property line adjacent to a residential zoning district or residential structure.

- (1) Cannabis retail uses shall only be located within a building. The building shall be equipped with an effective odor control system which shall at all times prevent unreasonable interference of neighbors' use and enjoyment of their property.

- (2) Cannabis retail use waste shall be stored in secured waste receptacles in the possession of and under control of the marijuana store or other person responsible for the site. Cannabis Retailer waste shall be managed in accordance with applicable state laws, including but not limited to rules promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Health, Business Regulation, and Environmental Management in effect and as amended from time to time hereinafter.

- (3) A cannabis retail use shall provide adequate security on the premises which meets the minimum-security requirements according to R.I.G.L. § 21-28.11 et seq., the rules and regulations promulgated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation, Rhode Island State Police, or other state agency in effect and as amended from time to time hereinafter.

- (4) Cannabis retail uses shall submit proof of appropriate security measures at the building permit stage in compliance with any and all state regulations to deter and prevent the unauthorized entrance into areas containing marijuana and shall ensure that each location has an operational security/alarm system.

- (5) Light cast by exterior lighting fixtures (e.g., security lights, driveway lights) shall be downcast, shielded, and hooded, and not spill onto adjacent lots.

- (6) Storage and disposal of waste or any other hazardous chemical associated with the activities of a cannabis retail use shall comply with local, state, and federal laws. An application for review of any use by a Cannabis Retailer shall include a floor plan showing the location of the storage of such chemicals.

- (7) An annual inspection of a cannabis retail use may be conducted by the Building Official and any other municipal regulatory agency with jurisdiction.

- (8) Outdoor display and sales of merchandise for cannabis retail uses shall be prohibited.

- (10) The hours of operation for cannabis retail uses shall be between 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

- (11) The minimum lot area for cannabis retail uses shall be twenty thousand (20,000) square feet.

- (12) Parking: Five and one-half spaces for every one thousand (1,000) square feet of net leasable area.

- (13) Signage requirements for building and freestanding signs for cannabis retail uses shall be consistent with standards applicable to retail establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. Billboards are prohibited.