R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-28.28-2: Permit required.

No person shall manufacture or deal in explosives, and no person shall possess or have under his or her control explosives other than empty cartridge shells (primed), percussion caps, small arms ammunition, small arm primers, and smokeless powder for small arms or black powder in excess of five (5) pounds unless he or she has obtained a permit therefor pursuant to the provisions of §§ 23-28.28-3 — 23-28.28-5.