The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya on March 11, 2024
Patients must register with the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) after getting a certification from a licensed cannabis doctor to access medical marijuana. Afterward, eligible patients will get a Rhode Island medical marijuana card (license) that will enable them to obtain medicine from Rhode Island marijuana dispensaries.
This page contains important information about the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) and the Medical Marijuana Program. After reviewing this page, you should know what the RI MMP requires from you. Additionally, this information should help you complete your online application for the Rhode Island medical marijuana card. Begin your medical marijuana card registration today by scheduling an appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in Rhode Island near you.
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How do I Get Medical Marijuana through the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program?
Only patients with a valid medical marijuana license from the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program can lawfully buy, possess, and use medicinal cannabis in the state. The first step to getting your medical marijuana card involves getting a signed certification from a healthcare practitioner.
You can book an in-person appointment with one of our medical marijuana doctors in Rhode Island near you for your MMJ certification. To begin, fill out this information form, then create your account with us. Afterward, attend your in-person marijuana evaluation. If you are eligible for medical marijuana in Rhode Island, our doctor will issue a marijuana certification. Finally, you must register online as a patient with the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program.
Most importantly, only patients suffering from one of the qualifying conditions for a medical card in RI can get certified for medical marijuana. Additionally, there are other requirements for medical marijuana in Rhode Island.
Find out the requirements and qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in RI.
How do I Get a Medical Marijuana Card in RI?
After confirming that you meet all the eligibility requirements for a medical card in Rhode Island, you should follow the process highlighted below to register for your Rhode Island medical card.
1. Get your Practitioner Written Certification Form from one of our medical marijuana doctors in Rhode Island near you.
2. Register as a medical marijuana patient on the Rhode Island Licensing Portal.
3. Complete your Rhode Island medical marijuana card on the portal and submit it.
5. You will receive your Rhode Island Medical Marijuana card in the mail once your application is approved.
Which documents do I need to submit to the RI Medical Marijuana Program?
You must submit the following documents to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) MMP to complete your medical marijuana license registration:
1. Proof of Rhode Island residency. For example:
- Rhode Island Driver’s License
- Rhode Island 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 recommendation).
3. Autism Diagnosis Form (If applicable)
4. Minor Form (If applicable)
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When did the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program Start?
The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program has come a long way since its inception after lawmakers passed the Medical Marijuana Act in 2006. Over the years, several changes have led to the improvement of Rhode Islanders’ access to medical cannabis. For instance, lawmakers approved PTSD (2016) and autism (2018) as qualifying conditions for a medical card in RI. Moreover, the MMP can license up to nine Rhode Island Compassion Centers as opposed to the initial three after Governor Gina Raimondo signed a budget tripling the number of compassion centers in 2019
Additionally, the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program has worked as a catalyst for reform on the criminality of marijuana. For example, when lawmakers decriminalized the possession of an ounce or less of cannabis in 2012. And this is not the end, with signs of recreational legalization soon.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) Medical Marijuana Program implements the Rhode Island medical marijuana laws for registered patients and authorized purchasers. In doing so, the Medical Marijuana Program accepts, reviews, and approves patient, caregiver, and purchaser applications and renewals.
Rhode Island Marijuana Laws
Although a Rhode Island medical marijuana card allows you to lawfully buy, possess, and use medical cannabis in the state, there are still laws you need to follow to avoid run-ins with law enforcement. Besides possible penalties, the Medical Marijuana Act also offers protections for cardholders. Some Rhode Island marijuana laws include:
- Cardholders cannot possess more than twelve mature cannabis plants and twelve immature cannabis plants. Additionally, patients cannot have more than 2.5 ounces of dried marijuana.
- An authorized purchaser cannot buy more than 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana for their patient from Rhode Island dispensaries.
- No school or landlord may deny a person enrollment, lease to, or penalize them solely for their status as a cardholder.
- Employers cannot refuse to employ or penalize employees for the sole reason of being part of the Rhode Island medical marijuana program.
- Caregivers cannot possess more than 12 mature marijuana plants and 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana.
- Eligible patients or primary caregivers can transfer medical marijuana to other medical marijuana patients or primary caregivers.
- Qualifying patients and caregivers can only grow medical marijuana at one premise registered with the Department of Business Regulation.
Where to get medical marijuana in RI – Rhode Island compassion centers (Dispensaries)
Only individuals with valid medical marijuana licenses and proof of identity can access and buy medicine from Rhode Island Compassion Centers. For instance, patients, caregivers, or authorized purchasers.
There are seven (7) licensed compassion centers (medical marijuana dispensaries) in Rhode Island where medical cardholders can buy medical marijuana. They include:
1. Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center
2. Greenleaf Compassionate Care Center
3. Summit Medical Compassion Center (RISE Warwick)
4. Plant Based Compassionate Care (Sweetspot Dispensary)
5. Aura of Rhode Island Inc. (Pinnacle Compassion Center)
6. Mother Earth Wellness Inc.
7. Solar Therapeutics Rhode Island (Solar Cannabis Co)
Patients can get a variety of forms of medical marijuana from RI dispensaries. For example:
- Cannabis flower
- Pre-rolls
- Disposable vapes
- Vape cartridges
- Concentrates
- Capsules
- Tinctures
- RSO oil
- Cannabis edibles
- Topicals
Common Questions about the RI Medical Marijuana Program
Below are answers to common questions about the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program.
How long does it take for a patient or caregiver to be licensed?
It takes five to ten days to get your medical marijuana license in Rhode Island.
Can I apply for my Rhode Island medical marijuana card online?
Yes. As of March 1, 2023, patients can apply for their Rhode Island medical marijuana card on the new online portal.
So, after getting certified by a medical marijuana doctor, you should create an account on the Rhode Island Licensing Portal. Next, you must complete your application and upload all the necessary documents. Afterward, you will receive your RI medical card after approval. So, book an appointment and get certified with a licensed physician in Rhode Island near you.
How much is the application fee?
Rhode Island does not charge government fees for a medical marijuana card application.
However, you will pay a $10 fee if you need to change any information on your RI med card or if you need to replace it. Besides the state fee, Quick Med Cards has the lowest price for an MMJ certification in Rhode Island. Our prices range between $45 to $149 and include the cost of a certification and an in-person appointment with a licensed cannabis doctor in the state.
Do I have to pay by check?
No. You can pay any government fees to the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program via credit or debit card in the Licensing Portal.
Do I have to reapply if my Rhode Island medical marijuana card expires?
No. You can submit a renewal application by logging into your Rhode Island Licensing Portal account.
During the renewal process, ensure you have all the required documentation ready for upload.
What should I do if I am renewing my license and have a new doctor, but another doctor is listed?
You can have a different doctor certify you for medical marijuana in Rhode Island once your initial certification expires.
Importantly, your new cannabis doctor must be licensed in the state and participating in the program. Quick Med Cards gives you access to compassionate, experienced, and licensed MMJ doctors in Rhode Island.
Can I renew my license online?
Yes. You can submit a renewal application through your Rhode Island Licensing Portal account.
Getting certified is necessary before you can renew your RI medical card. So, book an appointment with an RI cannabis doctor near you through Quick Med Cards to begin the renewal process.
I lost my medical marijuana license. How do I replace it?
You must log in to your Rhode Island Licensing Portal account and submit a replacement application.
Once you log in to your account, upload a copy of your current Rhode Island driver’s license or Rhode Island state ID and pay the $10 replacement fee. Later, you will receive your new card in the mail.
What is the difference between a caregiver and an authorized purchaser?
Rhode Island caregivers can cultivate marijuana, buy medical cannabis from a compassion center, and serve at most five patients.
However, authorized purchasers can only buy marijuana at a compassion center and assist one patient.
How do I add a caregiver or purchaser?
You can add a caregiver or authorized purchaser on the Rhode Island Licensing Portal.
Once you log into your account, you must enter the name and email address of the person you want to be your caregiver or authorized purchaser. Later, they will receive an email with a link to the online portal. Next, they must create their account and complete a Primary Caregiver Application or Authorized Purchaser Application. While applying, they must upload their photo and proof of Rhode Island residency.
Can the program refer me to a medical marijuana doctor?
The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program does not refer patients to doctors.
However, with Quick Med Cards, you have access to expert medical marijuana doctors in RI near you. Book your appointment today and get your RI medical marijuana certification.
Where can I learn more about the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program?
You can learn more about the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program by visiting the links in our resource section below.
Patient Resources and Forms
Contact details for the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program
State Agency: State of Rhode Island Department of Health
Phone: 401-222-5600
Address:
Medical Marijuana Program
3 Capitol Hill,
Room 105A, Providence,
RI 02908-5097
Email: doh.mmp@health.ri.gov