Rhode Island Senate Confirms New Top Marijuana Regulator

Rhode Island Senate Confirms New Top Marijuana Regulator

The Rhode Island Senate has confirmed Michelle Reddish as the new chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, filling a seat left open since October when former leader Kim Ahern resigned to run for attorney general.

Reddish, who has led the state's Cannabis Office since 2024, now transitions from operational duties to policymaking as chair of the commission. The $204,069 post is the only full-time position on the panel charged with regulating the state's medical and recreational marijuana and hemp industries.

Reddish was confirmed by the Senate in a unanimous vote on its final day of the legislative session. Also Thursday, the Senate reappointed commissioner Robert Jacquard for a second term on the cannabis panel. Both Jacquard and Reddish will serve until May 17, 2031.

By Christopher Shea, Rhode Island Current

The independent state agency shaping the nascent cannabis industry is whole again, with a new chairperson confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate on its final day of the legislative session.

The chamber's unanimous vote Thursday confirms Michelle Reddish as chair of the Cannabis Control Commission, filling the seat left open since October when former leader Kim Ahern resigned to run for attorney general.

Reddish, who has led the state's Cannabis Office since 2024, now transitions from operational duties to policymaking as chair of the commission. The $204,069 post is the only full-time position on the panel charged with regulating the state's medical and recreational marijuana and hemp industries.

Also Thursday, the Senate reappointed commissioner Robert Jacquard for a second term on the cannabis panel. Both Jacquard and Reddish will serve until May 17, 2031.

This story was first published by Rhode Island Current. Unrelated content excised by Marijuana Moment.

Photo courtesy of Chris Wallis / Side Pocket Images.

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