Is Weed Legal in Rhode Island?

If you’re a cannabis enthusiast planning to tour the Ocean State, you may wonder if weed is legal in Rhode Island. Understanding marijuana’s legality in your region is essential to avoid getting into trouble with the authorities. 

The cannabis industry is witnessing more supporters and advocates campaigning for the herb’s decriminalization. State governments are shifting their weed perception and making marijuana laws friendly. 

Are you curious whether you can grow and smoke weed in Rhode Island? Keep scrolling to discover the marijuana laws in Ocean State.

Long story short: Is weed legal in Rhode Island?

The recent Rhode Island weed laws allow herb enthusiasts to grow and possess cannabis to certain limits. Here’s a summary of the legal status in this state:

Rhode Island marijuana laws in detail 

Is marijuana legal in Rhode Island? Yes. The Medical Marijuana Act of 2006 found that cannabis has various therapeutic benefits. 

The state’s legislators passed it into law, permitting individuals with various illnesses to apply as cannabis users. After receiving their cards, patients could purchase Rhode Island medical marijuana to aid their conditions.

On May 25, 2022, Governor Daniel McKee signed the Cannabis Act, decriminalizing weed across the state. Senator Joshua Miller and Representative Scott A. Slater sponsored the bill.

This Rhode Island recreational marijuana law made it the 19th state to decriminalize cannabis for adults. 

“This bill successfully incorporates our priorities of making sure cannabis legalization is equitable, controlled, and safe,” said the governor. 

After joining the list of states where weed is legal, Rhode Island’s government formed the framework to regulate cannabis businesses. 

Rhode Island medical marijuana laws

Is medical marijuana legal in Rhode Island? Yes. Herb enthusiasts can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of cannabis in the state. 

Before growing weed, individuals must acquire a report from a doctor and register with the Department of Health. To obtain the RI medical marijuana card, a physician must certify that you’re suffering from any of these conditions: 

• Glaucoma

• Cancer

• HIV/AIDS

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Hepatitis C

• Medical conditions that may cause cachexia, chronic pain, severe nausea, muscle spasms, or Alzheimer’s disease. 

The department processes and approves Rhode Island medical marijuana applications from patients receiving hospice care or chemotherapy within 72 hours. The physician should indicate the need to expedite the request before submitting it.

Medical patients’ and caregivers’ applications take up to 35 days for the department to deny or approve. 

The Rhode Island medical marijuana laws allow patients to register an individual to help them buy cannabis from compassion centers. The authorized purchaser must be over 21 years old and can assist only one person. 

The Rhode Island medical marijuana application process also enables primary caregivers to register as assistants of up to five patients. Once certified, the individual can help in purchasing or growing weed. 

Rhode Island medical cannabis patients must register with the Department of Business Regulation (DBR) to cultivate marijuana. You can grow up to 12 mature (flowering) weed plants and 12 seedlings. 

Medical patients must obtain a plant tag for each crop from the DBR. It expires after one year from the date of purchase.

Recreational marijuana in Rhode Island

Since May 25, 2022, recreational marijuana in Rhode Island has been legal. The governor signed a bill allowing individuals over 21 years to possess cannabis.

Adults can also grow up to three weed plants in their private residences. In October 2022, the state government called for compassion centers to apply for licenses. 

Once registered, the centers can offer well-priced and regulated cannabis products and medical marijuana in Rhode Island. The sales for adult-use recreational weed began on December 1, 2022. 

According to the Rhode Island recreational marijuana laws, adults can possess a maximum of ten ounces of weed at home. They may also purchase one ounce or less from licensed cannabis dispensaries.

The Ocean State has the following penalties for different marijuana possession offenses: 

• Between 1–35 ounces: Misdemeanor, one year in prison, and a fine of not more than $500. 

• Between 35–176 ounces with intent to distribute: Felony, 10–50 years imprisonment, and up to a $500,000 fine. 

• More than 176 ounces: Felony, 25 years to life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Is hemp oil legal in Rhode Island?

The Rhode Island Hemp Growth Act classifies hemp as an agricultural product. Adults can grow, possess, distribute, or sell it in the state.

According to the act, hemp contains 0.3% or less of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), while marijuana has more than that.

In July 2019, before Rhode Island legalized weed, the state authorized the purchase and sale of hemp-derived products.

The state’s DBR is responsible for licensing handlers and growers who cultivate the plant and manufacture its by-products. It also authorizes distributors and retailers interested in selling hemp.

Rhode Island marijuana legislation prohibits handlers from using the butane extraction method while processing hemp.

Medical and recreational users can purchase hemp oil and other products from licensed retailers and providers. The Rhode Island weed legalization laws don’t restrict the quantities you can buy or possess.

Is edible marijuana legal in Rhode Island?

Besides enjoying a smoke, weed enthusiasts in the Ocean State can consume marijuana edibles like concentrates and CBD-infused beverages. RI medical marijuana laws outline that hemp consumables are available to people over 21 years old. 

Retailers and distributors must comply with local and state food safety measures while processing hemp-derived consumable products. 

The packaging containers should be opaque, child-resistant, fully enclosed, and prevent contamination without releasing toxic substances. Each product should have a label with the trader’s name, weight, and THC/CBD content. 

Marijuana laws in Rhode Island prohibit retailers from making medical claims, advertising, or selling products to people under 21 years. They must also provide a warning that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t analyzed or approved the edibles.

Is it possible to buy legal weed in Rhode Island?

Before Governor Daniel McKee signed the Rhode Island Cannabis Act, marijuana was only available for sale to medical patients. With the current law, adults can also buy weed for recreational use.

The law creates a framework for responsible cannabis use and regulations that promote public health and safety. Rhode Island legal marijuana is available for individuals to purchase at licensed weed dispensaries.

Marijuana sales attract 20% tax, divided into 7% for sales, 10% for cannabis, and 3% for municipality rates. 

Can you grow your own weed according to Rhode Island cannabis laws?

Are you ready to start cultivating your weed in the Ocean State? Thanks to the RI marijuana legalization, recreational and medical users can grow cannabis at home. Buy cannabis seeds in Rhode Island and start growing your marijuana plants.

Marijuana laws in Rhode Island outline the following penalties for cultivating or selling weed: 

• Between 1–35 ounces: Felony with a 30 years maximum sentence and up to $100,000 fine. 

• Between 35–176 ounces: Incarceration period ranging from 10 to 50 years and pay a fine not exceeding $500,000. 

• More than 176 ounces: 20 years to life imprisonment and a $500,000 maximum fine. 

Is it legal to smoke weed in Rhode Island?

Since marijuana is legal in Rhode Island, adults above 21 can smoke weed without fear of arrest. 

Only hit a joint in tobacco-smoking designated areas to avoid trouble with the authorities. The police may also arrest you if you’ve got more than one ounce of marijuana in public.

Enjoy Rhode Island’s legal weed by buying cannabis seeds, growing the herb at home, and smoking high-grade marijuana privately. 

Key takeaways about Rhode Island weed laws

Now that you’ve learned that weed is legal in Rhode Island, what’s next? Check out the Homegrown Cannabis Co. catalog and select the best strain with desirable effects for your needs.

If you’re new to Rhode Island recreational cannabis, peruse our blog and learn pro-cultivation tips.