Rhode Island Cannabis Laws

 Is cannabis legal in Rhode Island?

Both medical and recreational marijuana use is now legal in Rhode Island.

What are the medical marijuana laws in Rhode Island?

2006

Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act, SB 0710

2009

Rhode Island introduced a cannabis dispensary system, making them the second state nationwide (after California) to do so. States are not required to enforce federal law or prosecute people for engaging in activities prohibited by federal law. Therefore, compliance with this chapter does not put the state of Rhode Island in violation of federal law. State law should distinguish between medical and non-medical use of marijuana. Hence, this chapter aims to protect patients with debilitating medical conditions and their physicians and primary caregivers from arrest and prosecution, criminal and other penalties, and property forfeiture if such patients engage in the medical use of marijuana.

2022

Rhode Island began adult-use (recreational) marijuana sales starting December 1, 2022.

What medical conditions qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island law lists the following medical conditions as qualifiers for a medical cannabis card:

• AIDS/HIV
• Alzheimer’s Disease (A.D.)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Cachexia, or Wasting Syndrome
• Cancer or the treatment of cancer, inc. side-effects of chemotherapy
• Crohn’s Disease
• Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
• Glaucoma
• Hepatitis C
• Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.)
• Severe, debilitating, chronic pain
• Severe Nausea
• Severe and Persistent Muscle Spasms, such as those associated with Parkinson’s Disease (P.D.)

How do I get certified for medical cannabis in Rhode Island?

1. Speak with a qualified physician about getting a medical cannabis certificate. You must speak with the doctor in person to be qualified — online certifications are not allowed in Rhode Island.
2. If approved, the state will contact you to arrange your photo for the I.D. card – You will need to go to get your photograph taken. With COVID-19, this is more likely to take place online.
3. You will receive your Rhode Island medical marijuana card in 2-4 weeks – Get your meds from a dispensary or even have them delivered!

You must be 18 or over to qualify for medical marijuana in Rhode Island. Those aged under 18 will need a caregiver. Caregivers must be at least 21 years of age and a resident of Rhode Island. A primary caregiver can assist no more than five patients with their use of medical marijuana, and patients are limited to one caregiver.

Rhode Island medical marijuana patients are permitted to designate one personal caregiver to grow or provide medicine for them. If a patient only needs assistance with purchasing medical marijuana, they can designate an Authorized Purchaser who can legally obtain medicine from any of the state-licensed Compassion Centers and deliver the medicine to the patient.

Rep. Scott A. Slater (D-Dist. 10, Providence) has introduced legislation (2018-H 8011) that would allow school nurses to administer non-smokeable medical marijuana products to students with a valid medical marijuana recommendation on school grounds.

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Is telemedicine allowed for medical cannabis consultations in Rhode Island?

No, not anymore. During the pandemic, telemedicine was made legal in Rhode Island. But now you must meet with a provider in person.

How much cannabis can I possess in Rhode Island with an MMJ Card?

• For medical cardholders
  • Possession Limit (Flower): Up to 2.5 oz. on-person, or 10 ounces on one’s property, residential or non-residential.
  • Possession Limit (Concentrate): 1 gram concentrate = 3.3 grams flower, possession limit of just over an ounce.
• For recreational users = Illegal

Is it legal to grow cannabis in Rhode Island?

Up to 12 plants may be grown by a qualifying medical marijuana patient. Only medical patients or caregivers with Plant Tag Certificates are permitted to grow.

Does Rhode Island accept out-of-state cards?

Rhode Island has medical marijuana reciprocity and recognizes state-issued MMJ cards from other U.S. states.

Will my Rhode Island card be accepted in other states?

A Rhode Island medical marijuana card is valid in other states with medical marijuana reciprocity.

The following states accept or recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards:

• Arizona
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Puerto Rico
• US Virgin Islands
• Utah
• Washington, D.C.

However, this does not always mean you can purchase cannabis at a medical marijuana dispensary (non-medical adult use is acceptable) – just that the state’s medical marijuana laws protect you to some extent. It is wise to call the dispensary ahead if you are a medical cannabis patient from another state and intend to purchase medical marijuana.

The qualifying condition usually has to match between states, so if your qualifying condition is accepted in one state and not your visiting state, your recommendation is not necessarily valid. You are also accountable to the visiting state’s medical marijuana laws, not the state that issued your card.

The following states accept out-of-state applications, allowing visiting patients to use medical cannabis for the duration of their stay:

• Arkansas
• California
• Hawaii
• West Virginia (cancer patients only)

Are there employment laws protecting medical cannabis cardholders in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s drug testing statute states that employers may require employees to submit to a drug test if the employer “has reasonable grounds to believe based on specific aspects of the employee’s job performance and specific, contemporaneous documented observations, concerning the employee’s appearance, behavior or speech that the employee may be under the influence of a controlled substance, which may be impairing his or her ability to perform his or her job . . .”

What are the medical cannabis product testing requirements in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has only recently started to test its medical cannabis products, but there is still no requirement (this has now changed as of 2021 but will not fully take effect until 2022). Mold, mildew, heavy metals, pesticides, solvent residue, and potentially deadly microbes will be tested for by third-party labs.

Where is it safe to purchase cannabis in Rhode Island?

In all states with a medical marijuana program, the only way to purchase medicinal cannabis products is via a legally-licensed dispensary or pharmacy or another legally designated space to buy cannabis. Only those with a legal license to sell cannabis can do so.

Where is it safe to consume marijuana in Rhode Island?

All states with a medical marijuana program have some restrictions on where a person can legally use cannabis. Near schools, nurseries, parks, or other places where children are expected to be, using cannabis is illegal. Use of cannabis on or in federal land or buildings, hospitals, or other such healthcare space is also illegal. Private members’ clubs and landowners may also prohibit cannabis use on their property or restrict it at their discretion.

The safest place to use medical cannabis is in the safety of your own home. It is wise to use common sense, generally keep consumption out of public view, and utilize discreet consumption methods wherever possible.