Governor McKee Nominates Michelle Reddish to Serve as Chairperson of Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission
Published on Tuesday, May 26, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI — Today, Governor Dan McKee announced his nomination of Michelle A. Reddish, MS, MPH, to serve as chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
In 2024, Reddish was nominated by Governor McKee and later confirmed to serve as the first administrator of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office. In this role, she was responsible for coordinating with the CCC on the oversight and administration of cannabis use across Rhode Island.
Reddish has played a central role in building Rhode Island’s cannabis regulatory framework, supporting the promulgation of comprehensive adult-use cannabis regulations, and formally establishing the Cannabis Office as the operational arm of the Cannabis Control Commission.
She administered the initial adult-use cannabis retail license application period, supported statewide technical assistance efforts for prospective applicants, and helped oversee the transition of regulatory oversight of hemp and hemp-derived products to the Commission.
Reddish has also demonstrated a willingness to be flexible and adaptive to help ensure Rhode Island develops a strong and diverse marketplace. Her work has helped guide the implementation of one of the State’s most complex new regulatory structures, grounded in public health, safety, and transparency.
“In just two years, Michelle has demonstrated a deep understanding of Rhode Island’s cannabis landscape and how we can continue to effectively and safely regulate it,” said Governor McKee. “I’m confident her time leading the state’s Cannabis Office—combined with her significant expertise in regulatory compliance, development, and technological advancement—will serve her well in this new role.”
The CCC is responsible for the regulation, licensing, and enforcement requirements regarding regulated cannabis establishments and exercises all powers necessary for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of cannabis regulation and policy for both medical and adult-use cannabis.
Prior to her time in Rhode Island, Reddish served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), the independent state agency regulating Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program. She also worked as OMMA’s Chief Regulatory Officer for Compliance.
Reddish earned her master’s degree in occupational health and safety from Tulane University’s School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and also received a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology from Tulane. She earned her master’s degree in healthcare management from the University of New Orleans.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to be nominated by Governor McKee as Chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission. I’m proud to continue contributing to the growth and success of Rhode Island and its cannabis industry,” said Reddish. “I remain committed to supporting safety, transparency, and equity, and I’m sincerely thankful for the trust placed in me. I look forward to the work ahead and this next chapter.”
Reddish’s name has been submitted to the Senate for advice and consent. If confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate, Reddish would replace former chairperson Kim Ahern, who stepped down in October 2025.