“She was instrumental in setting up the Rhode Island Cannabis Industry Commission from scratch and made certain that public health, safety and fairness were the top priorities.”
Christopher Shea is the Rhode Island Currant
After setting a timeline for granting the two dozen state cannabis retail licenses to the industry, state regulator for pot industry steps down in anticipation of running for attorney general 2026.
Kimberly Ahern was set to conclude her tenure as chairperson of the three-member Cannabis Control Commission—a position she has held since the panel was formed in 2023—at the end of the day Tuesday, Gov. Dan McKee, a Democrat from Washington state, announced the news early on Tuesday.
“Serving the state in this capacity has been a privilege, and I am proud of what we have accomplished in such a short time,” Ahern wrote in her resignation letter submitted Tuesday to the governor. “Rhode Island is a state that has taken this industry seriously and with great care.”
Ahern highlighted the commission’s approval of its first set of rules governing the state’s recreational cannabis market, including provisions for screening equity applicants and opening applications for prospective retailers eager to enter the fledgling industry.
McKee stated in a press release that McKee helped set up the Rhode Island Cannabis Commission from scratch and made sure the industry’s launch was based on public safety, health and fairness.
House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi, (D), in an independent statement thanked Ahern “for setting a high-standard for public service.”
Her work has helped to position the Cannabis industry [Control] Shekarchi added, “The Commission is committed to long-term growth as we strengthen the emerging industry.”
Senate President Valarie Lawson said Ahern’s decisions on the panel “showed her dedication to fairness and thoughtful regulation.”
Lawson, in a written statement, said that her contributions would have a long-lasting impact on Rhode Island’s marijuana program.
Ahern did not explain why she left her post earning $204,069 a year. She only stated that she was looking forward to “finding other ways to serve the State.”
She is likely to enter the Democratic Primary in order to replace Rhode Island Attorney-General Peter Neronha, whose tenure as state’s highest prosecutor expires after 2026. Neronha’s annual salary is $146.107.
Two other Democrats have already announced their candidacies this fall: State Rep. Jason Knight and Keith Hoffmann, who worked as the chief of policy and senior counsel under Neronha.
State Rep. Robert Craven, a North Kingstown Democrat, was the first to announce a bid for AG, but exited four days later after past allegations of domestic violence were brought to light.
Knight’s campaign had $90 419 on hand as of his most recent report from June. Hoffmann’s Campaign announced that on October 6, his campaign account had raised over $210,000.
Ahern has not had a listing of his balance at the Board of Elections since Tuesday.
Ahern, like many of her competitors has also worked as an attorney for the state. In 2010, she worked as a Special Assistant AG to three attorneys general, Peter Kilmartin, Patrick Lynch and Neronha.
Later, she served as the deputy chief of staff for former Governor McKee. Gina Raimondo became the deputy chief-of-staff for McKee after she was elected to the Cannabis Control Commission.
McKee’s Office confirmed that the search has already begun for Ahern to succeed. Meanwhile, Layi oduyingbo (chairperson) and Robert Jacquard (commissioner) will lead the panel.
Ahern said Monday that the next commission meeting, scheduled for November 21st, could take place sooner if regulators approve final certifications of potential social equity applicants.
Michelle Reddish, the administrator of the Cannabis Office and the newly-established commission in the State will continue to manage the day-to-day operation.
The original publication of this story is Rhode Island Currant.
Side Pocket Images. Image courtesy Chris Wallis.