RHODE ISLAND • CANNABIS• HEMP • MARIJUANA EXPERT WITNESS

Ted Menadier provides expert witness services in Rhode Island cannabis, marijuana, and hemp matters involving cultivation practices, crop valuation, market pricing analysis, business interruption, and industry standards. Rhode Island legalized adult-use cannabis through the Rhode Island Cannabis Act in 2022, transitioning from an established medical marijuana program to a combined medical and adult-use market overseen by the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). As the smallest state in the nation, Rhode Island operates with a highly limited license supply relative to its consumer demand.

Rhode Island's small geographic footprint and limited-license structure have resulted in high cannabis market values and a competitive commercial environment. The state's position between Massachusetts and Connecticut — both of which have established adult-use markets — creates unique market dynamics around consumer cross-border purchasing and business competition. Disputes in Rhode Island commonly involve crop loss and valuation, business interruption losses, cultivation standard of care, license disputes, economic damages, and the financial analysis of licensed cannabis operations.

Areas of Expertise

• Crop and yield loss valuation for cultivation operations

• Business interruption and economic loss calculations

• Cannabis and marijuana cultivation standard of care

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) and potency testing review

• Hemp compliance and cannabinoid threshold determinations

• Hemp-to-marijuana classification disputes

• Cannabis genetics, breeding, and propagation review

• Nursery operations and facility assessment

• Seed-to-sale and track-and-trace records review

• Accepted cannabis industry standards and practices

Services Provided

• Case evaluation and litigation consulting

• Written expert reports

• Deposition testimony

• Trial testimony

• Economic damages and loss calculations

• Industry standards and compliance-context review

• Cultivation and production practices assessment

Cannabis Expert Analysis and Testimony for Criminal Matters

Despite Rhode Island's regulated adult-use market, criminal cases involving unlicensed cultivation, distribution, and possession with intent continue to arise. Rhode Island's dense population and proximity to both Massachusetts and Connecticut mean cannabis transportation and classification matters arise in both state and federal courts. I provide expert analysis and testimony regarding cultivation practices, plant counts, yield estimates, production capacity, and hemp vs. marijuana classification to help attorneys, judges, and juries understand the technical realities of cannabis production.