The Rise And Transformation: What Happened To Summit Medical Compassion Center?
The name Summit Medical Compassion Center (SMCC) is a significant piece of Rhode Island’s cannabis history, but as of today, December 19, 2025, the facility operates under a new, nationally recognized brand. The original "compassion center," which was one of the state's first three licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, no longer exists as an independent entity, having been absorbed into the portfolio of a multi-state operator (MSO). This transformative shift reflects the rapid corporate evolution of the entire Rhode Island cannabis market, moving from a localized medical model to a major player in the dual medical and adult-use recreational space.
The facility’s journey from a non-profit, state-regulated medical center to a corporate-owned dispensary is a microcosm of the broader industry trend across the United States. The Warwick location, which first opened its doors in November 2014, has undergone a complete rebrand and a major operational change following its acquisition, solidifying its role as a premier retail hub for both registered medical patients and recreational consumers in the Ocean State. Understanding the transition from Summit to its current form is essential for anyone tracking the state’s burgeoning cannabis economy.
The Definitive Timeline: Summit Medical Compassion Center's Evolution
Summit Medical Compassion Center, Inc. (SMCC) was a pioneering force in the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program (MMP). Its history is a clear illustration of the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage, state-specific cannabis businesses before the arrival of large multi-state operators (MSOs).
- Inception (2009-2013): Following the establishment of the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Act, the state began the process of licensing "compassion centers" to provide safe access to cannabis for registered patients.
- Opening (November 2014): Summit Medical Compassion Center officially opened in Warwick, RI, becoming one of the state's first three licensed medical dispensaries, alongside Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center and Greenleaf Compassion Center.
- Initial Growth (2015-2020): The center experienced significant growth, with its patient base tripling and its staff size doubling in the initial years, necessitating expansion to meet the demands of the Rhode Island MMP.
- Acquisition by GTI (August 1, 2021): Chicago-based Multi-State Operator (MSO) Green Thumb Industries (GTI) officially closed a deal to acquire Summit Medical Compassion Center. This acquisition marked a major entry point for a national cannabis brand into the Rhode Island market.
- Rebrand and New Identity (2021-2022): Following the acquisition, the facility was rebranded and began operating under the name RISE Dispensary Warwick, aligning it with GTI’s national retail footprint.
- Adult-Use Transition (December 2022): Rhode Island launched legal adult-use recreational cannabis sales. The former Summit location, now RISE Warwick, was authorized by the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) to begin selling cannabis to all adults over the age of 21.
- Unionization Vote (July 2023): Workers at RISE Dispensary Warwick voted overwhelmingly (50 to 6) to unionize, joining the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328. This move was a significant event in the state’s evolving cannabis labor landscape, with workers seeking higher wages and better working conditions.
- Current Status (December 2025): The location operates as a dual-market dispensary (medical and recreational) under the RISE Dispensary brand, serving as a key retail hub in the Rhode Island cannabis industry.
The Green Thumb Industries (GTI) Acquisition: A Market Game-Changer
The acquisition of Summit Medical Compassion Center by Green Thumb Industries (GTI) in 2021 was a pivotal moment that fundamentally reshaped the competitive landscape of the Rhode Island cannabis market. GTI, a prominent MSO with operations across multiple states, saw the opportunity to gain immediate access to one of the state's limited medical dispensary licenses.
This strategic move was about more than just a single retail location; it was about securing a foothold in a state poised for recreational legalization. By acquiring Summit, GTI positioned itself perfectly to transition to the lucrative adult-use market, which officially launched in December 2022. The deal ensured that the former Summit location became one of the first establishments in Rhode Island authorized to sell recreational cannabis, giving it a significant first-mover advantage.
For patients, the transition meant a change in the product menu and the overall retail experience. While the core mission of serving medical patients remained, the integration into GTI’s supply chain brought a wider variety of branded cannabis products, including those from GTI’s own portfolio like Rythm, Dogwalkers, and incredibles. The facility also expanded its service offerings to include convenient options like curbside pickup and extensive online ordering capabilities.
Labor and Advocacy: The Unionization of RISE Warwick
One of the most compelling and recent developments at the former Summit facility is the successful effort by its employees to unionize. In July 2023, the workers at the newly branded RISE Dispensary Warwick voted decisively to join the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 328. This event highlighted the growing trend of labor organization within the rapidly corporatizing cannabis industry.
The unionization drive was primarily fueled by the desire for better compensation and job security. As the facility transitioned from a smaller, non-profit medical center to a corporate entity, employees sought to ensure that the profits generated by the expanded adult-use market would translate into higher wages, improved benefits, and a stronger voice in workplace decisions.
This successful vote made RISE Warwick a key example of organized labor’s influence on the Rhode Island cannabis sector, setting a precedent for other dispensaries and cultivation centers in the state. The focus on labor rights and fair practices has become an increasingly important part of the state’s regulatory and social conversation surrounding cannabis.
What Patients and Consumers Can Find Today
The location that was once Summit Medical Compassion Center is now a fully operational, dual-market RISE Dispensary, catering to both registered Rhode Island medical patients and adult-use recreational customers. The product offerings are extensive, reflecting the advanced cultivation and manufacturing capabilities of the modern cannabis industry.
Key product categories available include:
- Flower: A diverse selection of strains (Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid) for smoking or vaporization.
- Vape Products: Cartridges and disposable vape pens featuring various cannabinoid profiles (THC, CBD, etc.).
- Edibles: A wide range of ingestible products, including gummies, chocolates, and baked goods, with precise dosing for patient and consumer convenience.
- Concentrates: High-potency extracts such as shatter, wax, and live resin, favored by experienced users.
- Topicals and Tinctures: Non-intoxicating options like soothing creams and sublingual tinctures for targeted relief and discreet dosing.
The facility remains committed to providing compassionate care, with dedicated services and tax exemptions still available for Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program cardholders. The evolution of this center—from Summit to RISE—demonstrates the dynamic shift in the cannabis industry: a move towards professionalized, corporate-backed operations that simultaneously serve both the foundational medical market and the booming recreational consumer base.
The story of Summit Medical Compassion Center is a testament to the growth of the Rhode Island cannabis market. It is a narrative of local pioneering, corporate acquisition, and labor organization, all culminating in a modern, multi-faceted dispensary that is a central figure in the state's green economy.
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