Is Marijuana Legal in Rhode Island?

When the state isn’t focused on making silverware and fine jewelry, Rhode Island is developing its medical marijuana industry. Medical marijuana has been legal in the state since 2006 and many positives go with that. For example, marijuana is currently decriminalized for small amounts across the state. Also, reciprocity for out-of-state patients and home cultivation rights are additional positives. 

However, improvements could be made in areas like recreational use legalization, and perhaps the permission of commercial delivery. This page covers all the essential details you need to know about the legal marijuana industry in Rhode Island.

No, the possession, purchase, or consumption of weed for recreational or adult use is still illegal in Rhode Island.

When will weed be legal in Rhode Island?

There is currently no timeline or indication for when recreational use of cannabis will become legal in Rhode Island.

Are edibles legal in Rhode Island?

Recreational marijuana edibles are illegal in Rhode Island. However, medical cannabis in the form of edibles is currently lawful across the state.

Is medical marijuana legal in Rhode Island?

Since 2006 medical marijuana has been legal in Rhode Island.

How to get medical marijuana in Rhode Island

Qualifying patients in Rhode Island can purchase medical marijuana from state-backed dispensaries across the state. Dispensaries in Rhode Island are called Compassion centers. Since delivery of medical marijuana is prohibited in the state, patients who cannot visit a compassion center may designate a caregiver to do so on their behalf.

Can I go to a dispensary without a card in Rhode Island?

No, you’ll need to be registered on the state’s medical-marijuana program and show a valid registry identification card to purchase products from a compassion center in Rhode Island.

How long does it take to get your medical card in Rhode Island?

It typically takes 5-10 days to process an initial application to be listed on the state’s medical marijuana patient registry and receive a registry identification card in Rhode Island.

Does Rhode Island accept out-of-state MMJ cards?

Yes, Rhode Island offers reciprocity and recognition for out-of-state medical marijuana patients.

Marijuana bills/laws in Rhode Island & key questions

Rhode Island became the 11th state to legalize medical marijuana in the country in 2006 when S0710 or the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act was passed. This law was passed by the state legislature over the veto of the then Governor Gov. Donald Carcieri. S0710 empowered the Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) to create rules and be responsible for patient registration and caregiver licensing respectively.

The Medical Marijuana Program was established under the Department of Health (DOH) to enforce the state’s new marijuana laws. The DOH reviews applications for patients and caregivers alike. Meanwhile, the DBR oversees the licensing and regulation of cultivation compassion centers and marijuana plant tracking across Rhode Island.

How much marijuana can I have in Rhode Island? (in oz)

It is illegal to possess marijuana for recreational use in Rhode Island. However, medical marijuana patients, their caregivers, or authorized purchasers can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis across multiple forms.

Is Marijuana decriminalized in Rhode Island?

Yes, marijuana is decriminalized for small amounts in the state.

Is there a fine or penalty for marijuana possession in Rhode Island?

Yes, possessing 1 ounce or less of non-medical cannabis is a civil offense in Rhode Island. This offense is punishable by a fine of up to $150 for first offenders.

How many cannabis plants per household in Rhode Island?

Medical marijuana patients who choose to grow their cannabis may grow up to 12 mature plants and 12 seedlings. However, the location of the plants must be registered with the Department of Health and purchase plant tags for each plant that they grow. These medical marijuana plant tags typically cost $25 for a set of two (one mature and one immature plant).

Rhode Island dispensaries regulations

The Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) oversees the state’s medical marijuana program and regulates the industry. However, the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) licenses compassion centers across the state.

Rhode Island growers regulations

The Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) regulates the cultivation of cannabis in the state. However, growers must be permitted by the Department of Health.

Closing thoughts

There are many aspects of Rhode Island’s medical marijuana laws that seem to be well thought out. For instance, the possibility of an authorized purchaser in the absence of a patient or their primary caregiver should be commended. However, for a state that has legalized medical marijuana since 2006, it’s surprising to see that recreational use is yet to become lawful.