Rhode Island hemp businesses won’t have to destroy their intoxicating products when a federal THC potency limit takes effect Dec. 11 – but they won’t be able to sell them.
Beginning Dec. 11, final hemp-derived cannabinoid products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC and other cannabinoids with similar effects per container will fall outside the federal definition of hemp.
The restriction stems from Section 781 of the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026, with implementation of the new THC limit delayed until Dec. 11 under subsequent federal legislation.
Why are regulators implementing quarantine rules?
The limit affects products manufactured, processed, distributed or sold at retail, including online sales, according to an Oct. 8 bulletin issued by the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission’s Cannabis Office.
CCC spokesperson Charon Rose said regulators revised the guidance to allow businesses to retain their inventory in case Congress changes the law before the deadline, according to the Rhode Island Current.
“We just want to be mindful,” Rose told the Current.
Licensees may store products exceeding the THC limit in a designated “quarantine” area within their licensed facilities. However, the option applies only to products manufactured, processed or procured in compliance with state and federal requirements before Dec. 11, according to the bulletin.
Quarantined products cannot be further processed, moved, distributed or offered for sale unless authorized by the federal government or the CCC. The CCC also prohibits businesses from transferring those products to licensed cannabis retailers for sale as cannabis products.
The quarantine option allows businesses to preserve their inventory but does not guarantee they will be able to sell those products in the future.
Rhode Island’s regulated hemp market generated $2.85 million in sales in 2025, with THC-infused beverages accounting for approximately 83% of the total, according to CCC data reported by the Rhode Island Current.
Businesses must complete three steps to use the quarantine option:
- Identify all products to be quarantined on the Hemp Quarantine 2026 form.
- Submit the form to the CCC by Dec. 4.
- Keep a physical copy at the licensed facility for Cannabis Office staff.
Businesses cannot add or remove products from the list or quarantine area after Dec. 11. The Cannabis Office may conduct inspections and inventory audits at any time.
What other rules must Rhode Island hemp businesses follow?
Businesses may request permission to destroy quarantined inventory at any time, but destruction must occur under Cannabis Office supervision.
The 0.4 mg limit applies to final hemp-derived cannabinoid products handled by businesses that manufacture, process, distribute or sell them in Rhode Island, including holders of hemp handler licenses, dual licenses, hemp-derived consumable CBD distributor licenses and hemp-derived consumable CBD retailer licenses.
Businesses selling compliant hemp-derived products must still hold the appropriate CCC license.
Cultivation rules remain unchanged under the CCC’s guidance. Growers must still comply with existing U.S. Department of Agriculture and state requirements for planting, sampling, harvesting and testing.
The CCC said it will continue to monitor federal law. If Congress or federal regulators change course before Dec. 11, the commission will update its requirements or deadlines and notify hemp licensees.
