Business Listings - Rhode Island Cannabis

Rhode Island – allowed marijuana usage and limitations

Medical marijuana has been legal in Rhode Island all the way since 2006. However, recreational users seem to be out of luck; even though several attempts at legalizing marijuana for medical purposes have been made, to this date, none have turned out to be successful (however, this is likely to change very soon).

If you’re fortunate enough to receive a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island, you can take advantage of one of the 5 dispensaries located at various points around the state. Most physicians will only consider giving you their blessing if you’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness like HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s, cancer, severe chronic pain and the like. Even so, you’re not allowed to smoke it in public, so lighting the green in the privacy of your home remains the only remaining option.

The great thing about Rhode Island is that although only the local residents are eligible to obtain a medical marijuana card, if you’ve been granted one in another state, you’ll be able to enjoy the same kind of perks here. No matter what the case may be, please bear in mind you’re never allowed to take any marijuana across the border, as attempting to do so constitutes a federal crime (even if marijuana is legal on both ends).

The marijuana stores in Rhode Island offer a wide range of products to choose from. From essential oils, seeds, edibles, and all the way to candles and drinks. These are not to be underestimated; some of them are quite potent indeed, so make sure to do your due diligence before using them. For example, certain edibles can reach their full effect an hour or so after consumption, so it’s easy to go beyond the optimal dosage. You can expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $30 per gram.

Be advised that medical marijuana card holders in Rhode Island are allowed to possess a maximum of 2.5 ounces of marijuana at any given time. The good news is that they’re even allowed to cultivate their own, as long as they stay mindful not to have more than 12 plants and 12 seedlings.

Getting caught operating a vehicle under the influence of marijuana (as determined by a blood test) is punishable by $500 and possibly up to one year in prison. The offending driver may also be required to work some community service hours and attend a course on the dangers of driving while intoxicated. Keep in mind this goes for first-time offenders only; any subsequent offenses, and the penalties go up. Refusing to get tested for traces of marijuana in your system results in having to shell out anywhere between $200 and $500, and you can also expect to get your license suspended for at least half a year. Of course, medical marijuana users are exempt from this rule to a certain degree.

As for the other marijuana-related penalties, getting caught with it in public will only get you fined for $150 (1 oz or less) with no trace of it in your criminal record. Carrying any more than that, and you’ll be spending the next year in jail. If your intent was to sell it, you can spend as much as 30 years behind bars (even if it was less than 1 kg), and the same level of punishment applies to illegal marijuana cultivation. As you can see, growing your own plant without a medical marijuana card is a rather risky business in Rhode Island.