Traveling to Rhode Island, or do you live there and still don’t get the laws? We feel your pain, so we searched the web for you and pulled together the cannabis laws for consumers in Rhode Island.
Please note that laws are consistently changing and although we work hard to keep this information as up to date as possible we suggest checking with the state’s government site as well.
The Basics
*Anyone under the age of 21 who wants to apply for a medical cannabis card must have a caretaker who is 21 or older.
The Need to Know
Possession
Patients must always carry their medical cards on them if they are carrying cannabis. As a card holder you can possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis (any combination of flower, edible, or concentrate) at a time.
If you are caught with cannabis and are not a medical card holder you can face large fines and jail time.
Purchasing Limits
Patients can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis every 15 days.
Consumption
You can legally consume cannabis on private property out of view from the public. Employers can approve use at work.
It is not allowed to consume cannabis on any federal or public land, in a parked or moving vehicle, or in any designated non-smoking area. If you are caught consuming in public you could face heavy fines.
Cultivation
Patients are allowed to grow 12 mature plants and 12 seedlings at a time. All grows must be registered with the DOH and each plant must have a medical cannabis plant tag.
Driving Under the Influence
If you are found guilty of driving under the influence of usable cannabis you will face DUI charges and penalties, even if you are a medical patient.
Riding a bike while under the influence can result in a DUI.
Transporting Marijuana
As a patient you can legally transport cannabis as long as it is sealed in its original packaging. Legal limits apply.
Exporting Marijuana
Moving cannabis across state lines is illegal and can result in a steep penalty if you’re caught.
It is also illegal to ship or send it in the mail.
Traveling by Plane
Cannabis is still illegal on the federal level so it is always a risk if you decide to fly with it.
Reciprocity
You can use your medical card in another state if that state has medical marijuana reciprocity.
Rhode Island offers reciprocity to patients from states. You must bring a physical medical card from your state as well as a drivers license from the same state. Out-of-state patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces.
Medical Marijuana
Qualifying Conditions:
- Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
- Cancer or cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy
- Glaucoma or glaucoma treatment
- Hepatitis C or treatment for hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy
- Severe, debilitating, or chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of:
- Multiple sclerosis\Crohn’s disease
- Agitation related to Alzheimer’s disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – patient must be 18 or older
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card
Not sure how to get your Medical Marijuana Card? We’ve partnered with Veriheal to bring you a simple and seamless way to see if you qualify and chat with a doctor right from the comfort of your own home.
Additional Resources
Looking for more?
Check out Rhode Island’s government site.
Want to learn more about the cannabis laws in other states? Click here to find out more.