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The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program registry protects medical marijuana patients from state prosecution as long as they follow certain protocols. Although patients cannot legally get a medical marijuana prescription in Rhode Island, patients can obtain a medical marijuana card.
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Introduction
- To legally use marijuana in Rhode Island, an individual with a debilitating medical condition must register with the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) administered by the Department of Health. Once registered the individual will receive an identification card and as long as he or she follows state marijuana laws will not be prosecuted by the state.
- NOTE: This page is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as recommendation by Mahalo for any sort of illegal or unauthorized drug use. Always ensure that you are aware of all laws and risks regarding the use of marijuana before doing so. The information provided on this page was current as of March 2009 and the laws and processes described below are subject to change.
Step 1: Qualify for a Registry Identification Card
- To be eligible for the medical marijuana program:
- You must be a resident of Rhode Island.
- You must be over 18 or have a caregiver who is over 21 years old.
- You or your caregiver cannot have a felony drug conviction.
- You must have one of the following debilitating medical conditions:
- Cancer.
- Or the treatment of cancer.
- Glaucoma.
- Or the treatment of glaucoma.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Or the treatment of HIV.
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- Or the treatment of AIDS.
- Hepatitis C.
- Or the treatment of Hepatitis C.
- Alzheimer's Disease.
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome.
- Severe, chronic pain.
- Severe nausea.
- Seizures.
- Muscle spasms.
- Cancer.
- You must get a doctor's recommendation.
Step 2: Obtain a Doctor's Recommendation
- Because marijuana is federally classified as a Schedule I drug, doctors cannot legally prescribe marijuana for their patients. However, a Rhode Island licensed physician (Medical Doctor or Doctor of Osteopathy) can recommend marijuana as treatment for a debilitating condition. The physician must state, in writing, that the patient is suffering from a debilitating medical condition and that medical marijuana will be beneficial to the patient's health. The health benefits must outweigh the health risks.
Step 3: Apply for a Registration Card
- If you meet eligibility requirements and obtain a doctor's recommendation you can apply for a registration card.
- Print out an application from the MMP Department of Health website. The application will include:
- The patient form.
- The physician form.
- The minor form (only applicable for individuals under 18).
- Complete the entire form.
- If you mail an incomplete application, it will be returned.
- Include the application fee.
- $75 or $10 for individuals with proof of Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI).
- Make a check out to "General Treasurer, State of RI".
- Each caregiver will also have to pay the fee.
- Mail the application to:
- Department of Health - Medical Marijuana Program
- Office of Health Professions Regulation, Room 104
- 3 Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908-5097
- When approved, you will be scheduled to take an identification photograph for your photo identification card.
Step 4: Follow Marijuana Laws
- Although registering with the MMP will protect medical marijuana patients from state prosecution, patients still have to follow state marijuana laws, including:
- Users may not possess more than:
- 12 marijuana plants.
- Two and a half ounces of usable marijuana.
- Users may not smoke marijuana in public.
- Users may not grow marijuana outdoors.
- Users may not drive under the influence of marijuana.
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- To legally use marijuana in Rhode Island, an individual with a debilitating medical condition must register with the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) administered by the Department of Health. Once registered the individual will receive an identification card and as long as he or she follows state marijuana laws will not be prosecuted by the state.
