R.I. Gen. Laws § 44-20-8.2: Transactions only with licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, and dealers.

A manufacturer or importer may sell or distribute cigarettes and/or other tobacco products and/or electronic nicotine-delivery system products to a person located or doing business within this state, only if such person is a licensed importer or distributor. An importer may obtain cigarettes and/or other tobacco products and/or electronic nicotine-delivery system products only from a licensed manufacturer. A distributor may sell or distribute cigarettes and/or other tobacco products and/or electronic nicotine-delivery system products to a person located or doing business within this state, only if such person is a licensed distributor or dealer. A distributor may obtain cigarettes and/or other tobacco products and/or electronic nicotine-delivery system products only from a licensed manufacturer, importer, or distributor. A dealer may obtain cigarettes and/or other tobacco products and/or electronic nicotine-delivery system products only from a licensed distributor.

Provided, however, this section shall not apply to cigars.