Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in RI
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Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated February 20, 2024
To get access to medical marijuana in Rhode Island, a licensed medical marijuana doctor must certify that you suffer from one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card in RI.
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What are the qualifying conditions for a medical card in RI?
- Am I eligible for medical marijuana in Rhode Island?
- How do I get a medical cannabis card in RI?
This page goes over the qualifying conditions for a medical card in RI and any other requirements. All the information on this page is sourced directly from the official Rhode Island Department of Health website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource.
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What Conditions and Illnesses Qualify for Medical Marijuana in RI?
Rhode Island has a list of qualifying conditions, and most illnesses on the list are either life-threatening or chronic.
So what if your medical condition is not on the list?
Unfortunately, only patients diagnosed with one of the qualifying medical conditions are eligible for medical marijuana in Rhode Island. Still, patients should expect more diseases added to the list over time.
Below is the Rhode Island medical marijuana 2024 list of conditions.
The Qualifying Conditions for a Medical Card in RI:
- A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those symptomatic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including epilepsy
- Severe, debilitating, chronic pain
- Agitation related to Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/ AIDS
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What Qualifies for a Med Card in Rhode Island?
1. You must be a Rhode Island resident with proof of residency.
2. You must register a personal account on the Rhode Island Licensing Portal.
3. A licensed cannabis doctor in Rhode Island must issue you with a Practitioner Written Certification as confirmation you have a qualifying condition.
4. Finally, you must complete and submit a Rhode Island medical marijuana application on the Licensing Portal.
Rhode Island medical marijuana requirements for minor patients:
1. Minor patients must designate a custodial parent or legal guardian as their primary caregiver or authorized purchaser.
2. The Minor Form must be completed, signed, and submitted along with the patient application form.
Can I get a medical card for PTSD in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can get a medical card for PTSD in Rhode Island because it is a qualifying condition. However, only patients aged 18 and older can get a recommendation for PTSD. So, minors cannot access medical marijuana for PTSD in RI.
Does autism spectrum disorder qualify as a condition in Rhode Island?
Yes, autism spectrum disorder is a qualifying condition in Rhode Island. However, the recommending practitioner will need to include additional information in the recommendation they issue. Note that for minor patients, the recommending doctor must consult with a qualified pediatric doctor.
I Meet the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Qualifications – What’s Next?
Getting a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island is easy if you meet all the qualifications. Below is the step-by-step process for getting your medical marijuana license in RI.
1. Start by scheduling an in-person appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in Rhode Island near you and get your Practitioner Written Certification Form.
2. Create a patient account on the Rhode Island Licensing Portal.
3. Log into your account and complete the Rhode Island medical marijuana card application.
4. Ensure you upload the necessary documents and enter all the required information.
5. Submit your application and wait for your Rhode Island medical marijuana card in the mail.
Which documents must I submit for the Rhode Island medical marijuana card?
You must provide the following documents to complete your application for the Rhode Island medical marijuana license:
1. Proof of Rhode Island residency. For example:
- RI Driver’s License
- RI State ID
- Vehicle registration
- Voters registration
- Correspondence from another state agency with a current date
- Current car insurance bill
Your name, current address, and date must appear on the document you provide as proof of residency
2. A complete and signed Practitioner Written Certification Form (medical marijuana certification).
3. Autism Diagnosis Form (If applicable)
4. Minor Form (If applicable)
Key Takeaways
- You must be a resident of Rhode Island with a qualifying condition to be eligible for medical marijuana.
- Minors must have their custodial parent or legal guardian as their caregiver to access MMJ.
- Qualifying patients must apply for their medical cards on the Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Portal after receiving their certification.
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Patient Resources and Forms
Contact details for the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program
State Agency: State of Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH)
Phone: 401-222-5600
Address:
Medical Marijuana Program
3 Capitol Hill,
Room 105A, Providence,
RI 02908-5097
Email: doh.mmp@health.ri.gov