The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program
Our doctors currently do not serve patients in this state.
Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated September 21, 2026
Welcome to the best guide on the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program!
By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:
- What should I know about the Rhode Island medical marijuana program?
- How do I get a medical marijuana card in RI?
- What are the Rhode Island medical marijuana card rules?
All the information on this page comes from the official Rhode Island Department of Health website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s proceed.
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How do I Get Medical Marijuana through the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program?
Patients with a valid Rhode Island medical marijuana card can lawfully buy, possess, and use medical cannabis within the state’s limits. Qualifying out-of-state patients may also purchase medical cannabis using a valid medical marijuana card or equivalent registration recognized by Rhode Island, subject to the state’s identification and intake requirements. 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 steps below to register for your Rhode Island medical card:
- Get your Practitioner Written Certification Form from one of our medical marijuana doctors in Rhode Island near you.
- Register as a medical marijuana patient on the Rhode Island Licensing Portal.
- Complete and submit your Rhode Island medical marijuana card application on the portal.
- Wait for approval and receive your Rhode Island Medical Marijuana card in the mail.
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:
- Proof of Rhode Island residency
- Rhode Island Driver’s License
- Rhode Island State ID
- Vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- Correspondence from another state agency with a current date
- Current car insurance bill
- A complete and signed Practitioner Written Certification Form
- Autism Diagnosis Form (if applicable)
- Minor Form (if applicable)
Note: Your name, current address, and date must appear on the document you provide as proof of residency)
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When did the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program Start?
Rhode Island established its Medical Marijuana Program in 2006 after lawmakers passed the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act. The state later added PTSD as a qualifying condition in 2016 and Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2018.
Rhode Island expanded its medical cannabis program over the years and now has 9 licensed Compassion Centers. In 2022, the state also legalized adult-use cannabis for adults aged 21 and older.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) continues to manage patient, caregiver, and authorized purchaser registrations. The Cannabis Control Commission regulates medical and adult-use cannabis and oversees licensed Compassion Centers.
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 legal problems. Besides possible penalties, the Medical Marijuana Act also offers protections for cardholders.
Some Rhode Island marijuana laws include:
- Cardholders cannot possess more than 2.5 ounces of dried marijuana. If registered to grow medical marijuana at home, they cannot have more than 12 mature and 12 immature cannabis plants.
- Authorized purchasers cannot buy more than 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana for their patients from Rhode Island dispensaries during a 15-day period.
- Schools and landlords cannot deny enrollment, leases, or penalize someone solely for being a cardholder.
- Employers cannot refuse to hire or penalize employees solely for being part of the Rhode Island medical marijuana program.
- Caregivers cannot possess more than 12 mature marijuana plants or 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana per registered patient. Overall, they cannot possess more than 24 mature and 24 immature plants or more than 5 ounces of usable marijuana for all patients combined.
- Eligible patients and primary caregivers can transfer medical marijuana to other patients or caregivers without payment, as allowed by state law.
- Qualifying patients and caregivers can only grow medical marijuana at one location registered with the Department of Business Regulation. They must also obtain a valid medical home-grow certificate before growing.
Where to Buy Medical Marijuana in Rhode Island: Compassion Centers (Dispensaries)
Registered patients, caregivers, and authorized purchasers can buy medical marijuana from Rhode Island Compassion Centers with the required card and identification.
Rhode Island currently has 9 licensed Compassion Centers where medical marijuana patients can buy medical cannabis. They include:
- Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center
- Ocean State Controlled Botanicals DBA Newport Cannabis Co.
- Summit Medical Compassion Center (RISE Warwick)
- Plant Based Compassionate Care (Sweetspot Dispensary)
- Aura of Rhode Island, Inc. (Pinnacle Compassion Center)
- Mother Earth Wellness Inc.
- Solar Therapeutics Rhode Island (Solar Cannabis Co.)
- Green Wave CC, LLC
- New Leaf Compassion Center, Inc. (Reef Wellness)
Patients can find different forms of medical marijuana at Rhode Island Compassion Centers, including:
- Cannabis flower
- Pre-rolls
- Vape cartridges
- Disposable vapes
- Concentrates
- Capsules
- Tinctures
- RSO oil
- Cannabis edibles
- Topicals
Key Takeaways
- The Rhode Island medical marijuana program began after the state legalized medical cannabis in 2006.
- A Rhode Island cannabis doctor must certify you for MMJ, and you must complete an application on the online portal to get your medical marijuana card.
- Rhode Island does not have state fees for applying for a medical marijuana card.
- Your Rhode Island medical card lets you possess up to 2.5 ounces of usable marijuana.
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 5 to 10 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 replace it. The doctor consultation costs $149, with financing options available for as little as $47. This includes your consultation and medical marijuana certification if you are approved.
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?
To renew with a different practitioner, have that practitioner complete and sign a new Practitioner Written Certification Form and upload it with your renewal application. You can begin renewing 2 months before your registration card expires.
Your new practitioner may be a Rhode Island-licensed MD, DO, physician assistant, or advanced practice registered nurse, or an MD or DO licensed in Massachusetts or Connecticut. 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.
Both caregivers and authorized purchasers must upload a photo. Caregivers must also provide proof of Rhode Island residency, but authorized purchasers can live out of state.
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 (RIDOH)
Phone: 401-222-3752
Address:
Medical Marijuana Program
3 Capitol Hill,
Room 105A, Providence,
RI 02908-5097
Email: doh.mmp@health.ri.gov
Website: health.ri.gov/medical-marijuana/medical-marijuana-program