R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-26-9: Research and educational growth by institutions of higher education.

(a) The commission is authorized to certify any higher educational institution in Rhode Island to grow or handle, or assist in growing or handling, industrial hemp for the purpose of agricultural or academic research where such higher educational institution submits the following to the commission:

(1) The location where the higher educational institution intends to grow or cultivate the industrial hemp;

(2) The higher educational institution’s research plan; and

(3) The name of the employee of the higher educational institution who will supervise the hemp growth, cultivation, and research.

(b) Growth for purposes of agricultural and educational research by a higher educational institution shall not be subject to the licensing requirements set forth in § 2-26-5.

(c) The applicant is encouraged to partner with an institution of higher learning within the state of Rhode Island to develop best practices for growing and handling hemp.

(d) The commission shall maintain a list of each higher education institution certified to grow or cultivate industrial hemp under this chapter.