AN ACT RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- THE RHODE ISLAND CANNABIS ACT

HB 7717 updates Rhode Island's cannabis law by removing the requirement for the Cannabis Advisory Board to establish five specific subcommittees (focused on public health, safety, industry, market participation, and social equity). The bill directly affects the advisory board, which previously had to form these subcommittees to develop recommendations. The key change is eliminating this statutory structure, allowing the board chair to appoint subcommittees as needed without mandatory categories. This is a procedural adjustment to the advisory board's operating framework, not a change to cannabis regulations or policies. The bill takes effect upon passage.