Rhode Island State Information Page
Current Legality State – Rhode Island
Fully Legal
- Medical and recreational use is legalized.
- Decriminalized statewide for minor possession (it is now considered a civil violation, similar to a minor traffic violation)
- Medical patients can possess up to two and a half ounces.
- Adults aged 21 and over are permitted to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public.
- Individuals may cultivate up to six plants (a maximum of three mature and three immature) for personal use.
Current Legality State
Fully Legal
- Medical and recreational use is legalized.
- Decriminalized statewide for minor possession (it is now considered a civil violation, similar to a minor traffic violation)
- Medical patients can possess up to two and a half ounces.
- Adults aged 21 and over are permitted to possess up to one ounce of cannabis in public.
- Individuals may cultivate up to six plants (a maximum of three mature and three immature) for personal use.
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Is Cannabis Legal In Rhode Island ?
Medical cannabis has been legal in Rhode Island since 2006; however, on May 25, 2022, the Rhode Island Cannabis Act was signed into law, making Rhode Island the 19th state to legalize recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and older. The state has made efforts to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis.
State Laws and Offenses
Here’s a list of marijuana laws for RI’s possession, sale, and distribution of marijuana, concentrate, or paraphernalia.
- Under current legislation, Marijuana is a Schedule I substance in the state of RI
- Federally, cannabis is still considered an illicit drug and is a Schedule I Controlled Substance.
- First-time possession of marijuana up to one ounce by an individual eighteen years or older is a civil offense, punishable by a 150 USD fine, no jail time, and no criminal record.
- Sale or cultivation of less than one kilogram is a felony punishable by a maximum sentence of thirty years of prison time and a maximum fine of 100,000 USD. Cannabis concentrates fall under the same category.
- The manufacture, sale, delivery, or possession with the intent to sell or deliver, of drug paraphernalia is punishable by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars and up to two years imprisonment.
- Simple Possession for personal use while driving will result in a driver’s license suspension for a period of six months.
Rhode Island Qualifying Conditions For Medical Marijuana
The following is a list of the most common conditions that qualify for medical cannabis in Rhode Island:
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Autism
- Cachexia
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Crohn’s disease (agitation related to the disease)
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/AIDS
- Nausea
- Persistent muscle spasms
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Epilepsy, Severe Seizures
- Multiple sclerosis
- Other conditions or a debilitating diseases are subject to approval
How to get a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island
Effective May 16, 2022, Practitioner’s can no longer make Medical Marijuana recommendations by means of Telemedicine. The BMLD guidelines for telemedicine prohibit controlled substances unless there is an in-person evaluation.
Does Rhode Island accept out-of-state medical cards?
Yes. However, out-of-state cards are limited to states that track sales: WA, OR, CA, NV, AK, HI, MT, CO, NM, ND, AR, IL, MI, OH, PA, NY, MD, DE, RI, MA, & DC.
When does my Rhode Island medical card expire?
Medical cards expire one year from the date the patient completes the registration process.
Get a Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card
Rhode Island marijuana DUI laws
The state of Rhode Island has a drugged driving law in place. Possession while driving will result in a driver’s license suspension for at least six months and hefty fines that increase per offense.
People may not drive a motor vehicle if they have a detectable level of an illicit substance in their body. However, medical patients will not be penalized for testing positive for marijuana during a blood test.
Rhode Island marijuana growing laws
Yes, up to 12 plants and 12 seedlings. Patients or caregivers must cultivate the marijuana in one location, and it must be stored in an indoor facility.
After legalizing marijuana, two or more cardholders may cooperatively produce marijuana in residential or non-residential areas subject to the following restrictions: Non-residential – no more than ten ounces of usable marijuana, 48 mature marijuana plants, and 48 seedlings. Residential for personal use– no more than ten ounces of useable marijuana, 24 mature marijuana plants, and 24 seedlings.
Rhode Island public consumption laws
Rhode Island state law does not allow public consumption of cannabis. However, many cities have decriminalized possession of fewer than 100 grams of weed. Public places include:
- Public transportation
- Anywhere use could expose children to significant adverse effects
- School grounds or a school bus
- Drug treatment facility or correctional facility
Rhode Island city specific laws
The laws listed here are for the state. Cities, counties, schools, universities, and employers may set their own rules and consequences. Be sure to check how marijuana laws differ in each county or town before you use.
Cannabis Policy Reform Timeline
2006: Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act were passed to legalize medical marijuana for a qualifying condition following a decades-long prohibition.
2012: First offense possession of one ounce of marijuana was decriminalized per a house bill
2019: Democratic Governor Raimondo signed a budget that tripled the possible compassion center number from three to nine.
2020: Gov. Raimondo signed the “Adult Use Marijuana Act” to set policies in place for medical patients and compassion centers.
2021: The Rhode Island state budget included a plan to legalize and regulate recreational marijuana. The Rhode Island Department of business regulation, the cannabis control commission, and an advisory board from the house finance committee produced the budget.
2022: The Rhode Island Cannabis Act is signed into law, legalizing recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older.
2022: Retail sales of recreational cannabis begin at licensed dispensaries.
2025: Rhode Island releases draft regulations for expanding the retail cannabis market, allowing up to 24 additional dispensaries, with priority given to social equity applicants and worker-owned cooperatives
Some of the Current Cannabis Bills in Rhode Island
- RI H5630 – Requires certain health care facilities to allow a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility, subject to certain restrictions.
- RI S0560 – Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.
- RI H5894 – Amends §§ 14-1-3 and 14-5-8, relating to possession of marijuana and proceedings in family court ensuring that children under 17 years of age in possession of less than 2 oz of marijuana are subject to the jurisdiction of the family court.
- RI H5329 – Defines a vape shop and exempt it from the prohibition of selling electronic nicotine-delivery system products.
- RI H5027 – Provides that any law or regulation which prohibits or protects a person from exposure to second-hand smoke would include second-hand marijuana smoke or vapor.
