Home

Rhode Island

Regulatory Framework

In Rhode Island, the regulatory framework for cannabis involves multiple state departments. The Office of Cannabis Regulation (OCR) within the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) is primarily responsible for regulating adult-use cannabis, while the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) oversees medical cannabis through the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) [1][4].

Legal Status

The Rhode Island Cannabis Act of 2022 legalized adult-use cannabis, while medical cannabis has been legal since 2006 under the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act. Industrial hemp is regulated under the Hemp Growth Act.

Market Status Act/Law Year
Adult-Use Legal The Rhode Island Cannabis Act of 2022 [12] 2022
Medical Legal The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act [10] 2006
Homegrow Legal The Rhode Island Cannabis Act of 2022 [12] 2022

Track-and-Trace

Rhode Island utilizes METRC, a well-known seed-to-sale tracking system, for both adult-use and medical cannabis. This system supports regulatory compliance and enforces cannabis tracking from seed to sale [3].

Licensing

The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) issues licenses for various types of cannabis businesses, including cultivators, processors, retailers, transporters, and testing labs.

License Type Description
Cultivator Licenses issued to businesses for the cultivation of cannabis [18].
Processor Licenses issued for the processing of cannabis into consumable products [18].
Retailer Licenses for businesses to sell cannabis directly to consumers [18].
Transporter Licenses for the transportation of cannabis between licensed facilities [18].
Testing Lab Licenses for laboratories to conduct required cannabis testing [18].

Possession Limits

Rhode Island has specific possession limits for cannabis, distinguishing between adult-use and medical use.

Item Possession Limit
Adult-use Up to 1 ounce of cannabis; civil violation for 1-2 ounces [13]
Medical-use Up to 12 mature plants, 12 immature plants, and 2.5 oz. of dried cannabis or equivalent [14]

Medical Cannabis

In Rhode Island, registering as a medical cannabis patient involves a detailed process managed by the RIDOH. Eligible patients must have a qualifying medical condition as certified by a licensed Rhode Island physician. Conditions approved for treatment with cannabis include chronic pain, cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's disease, severe nausea, and others listed in state regulations [19][20]. Caregivers are also recognized in Rhode Island's medical cannabis program. They are required to pass a background check and complete a training program before being registered to assist patients with their cannabis needs [20].

Additional Resources

References