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Get a Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card
See a RI-licensed medical marijuana doctor online in minutes and get the cannabis care you deserve.
Quick and Easy Process
Get Approved or Your Money Back
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The key benefits of a medical marijuana card
Tax savings
Save up to 6% in state taxes compared to recreational users. Save up to $115 per year based on $150 monthly spend.
Cultivation
RI medical marijuana cardholders can grow up to 12 plants while recreational users have a 6 plant limit.
Please note: Patients planning on growing more than a total of six (6) (3 immature and 3 mature) Marijuana plants must obtain a Plant Tag Certificate.
Higher possession
Access higher possession limits with a medical card.
Medical patients can possess 2.5 oz of cannabis, more than double that of rec users.
Trusted by 1 Million Monthly Users
Get your RI med card approved in minutes.
It’s quick, easy, and convenient.
Getting approved for a Rhode Island marijuana card has never been easier. With our online platform, you can register, consult with a doctor, and receive your certification in just a few minutes. Our process is designed to be quick, easy, and convenient, so you can get the relief you need without the hassle. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, anxiety, or another qualifying condition, our streamlined system ensures you can access medical marijuana swiftly and efficiently.
1. Register Online With Leafwell
Register with Leafwell and speak to a Rhode Island-licensed provider online. Our process is quick, easy, and HIPAA-compliant.
2. Get Approved
Get approved and arrange a time to pick up your Rhode Island practitioner written certification in person.
3. Complete State Application
Complete and submit the medical marijuana card application online using the Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Portal.
4. Get Your Medical Card
Receive your medical card within 5-10 business days and legally purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
A few more questions about the process?
Watch this video to learn more about getting a Rhode Island marijuana card.
How much does a Rhode Island med card cost?
Rhode Island medical cannabis patients save more with Leafwell. Get your money back if not approved.
Qualifying medical conditions for RI cannabis patients
Patients must be Rhode Island residents aged 18 years old or older to qualify for a med card. All patients under 18 must have a registered caregiver apply on their behalf. The following medical conditions qualify patients for medical cannabis in the state of Rhode Island:
- AIDS/HIV
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Cachexia, or Wasting Syndrome
- Cancer or the treatment of cancer, inc. side-effects of chemotherapy
- Chronic Pain
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (must be 18)
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Crohn’s Disease
- Severe nausea
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3 documents needed to apply for a Rhode Island medical marijuana card
To apply for the Rhode Island medical marijuana program, you must follow a few essential steps to ensure your eligibility and successful registration. The process begins by gathering the necessary documents and information, which includes securing a medical marijuana recommendation and providing proof of identity.
Proof of Identity
RI Driver’s License or Rhode Island state ID. If the driver’s license or Rhode Island state ID does not show a current address, patients will also need to provide a current copy of one of the following documents that shows a recent date, the patient’s name, and their current address: Any correspondence from another state, agency, current vehicle registration, current car insurance bill, or voter’s registration.
Medical Records
Rhode Island requires comprehensive medical records documenting your debilitating medical condition, which our doctors will review. This process ensures that your medical marijuana license provides legal protection within Rhode Island’s system.
Medical Marijuana Recommendation
Register with Leafwell and speak to a licensed physician online about your medical condition. Once you’re approved, arrange a time to pick up your certification in person.
Get My CardCannabis patient renewal information
Can I renew my Rhode Island medical marijuana license online?
Yes, Leafwell can help you renew your medical marijuana certificate and card in Rhode Island. If you’re a returning patient, all your information is stored in our HIPAA-compliant platform, and the process is quick and easy.
Here’s the full process to renew your RI medical card:
- Sign in to your Leafwell account or register as a renewal patient here.
- Speak to a licensed medical marijuana doctor about qualifying medical conditions.
- Get approved and arrange a time to pick up your certification in person.
- Complete and submit the renewal application online using the Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Portal.
- Receive your new card within 5-10 business days and legally purchase cannabis from a licensed dispensary.
Note: New to Leafwell renewals will also need to submit the Practitioner Written Certification Form found in the new patient application, page 4. This is the same form that is automatically generated and given to patients with a wet signature after their Leafwell approval. They will need to submit the form with the provider’s wet signature.
Next steps after approval
Congratulations on getting approved for your medical marijuana license.
Here’s a guide to what you need to do next:
Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:
- A credit or debit card
Getting your Rhode Island medical marijuana card
- Complete state application online.
- Complete and submit the patient application online using the Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Portal.
- Receive your card in the mail.
- The state will mail your medical card to your address. It normally takes 5-10 business days. The medical marijuana license will be valid for 1 year.
- Legally purchase cannabis from approved medical marijuana dispensaries.
- To purchase medical cannabis, you must bring your medical cannabis card and a valid form of photo identification, such as a driver’s license, with you to the pharmacy.
Legal limitations for RI cardholders
Navigating marijuana laws in different states can be tricky, but we’re here to break it down for you. Here are some key points you should be aware of if you have an official Rhode Island medical marijuana license.
Medical marijuana use is legal: The medical use of cannabis was legalized in 2006 with the passage of the Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act, SB 0710. In 2009 official Rhode Island state marijuana dispensaries opened for business to service Rhode Island residents and visiting medical marijuana patients.
Possession limits: The current possession limits in Rhode Island for medical cardholders are 2.5 oz. of flower on-person and up to 10 ounces on one’s property, residential or non-residential.
Recreational marijuana is legal: Recreational marijuana use is legal in Rhode Island under the Rhode Island Cannabis Act. However, there are still some perks to getting a medical card including higher possession limits and lower taxes.
State taxes: 7% tax for medical marijuana patients and 13% for recreational users.
Cultivation is allowed: Qualifying patients may grow up to 12 mature marijuana plants and 12 seedlings. All marijuana must be cultivated in one location, and the plants must be stored in an indoor facility and tagged with plant tag certificates purchased from the Department of Business Regulation. Under the Rhode Island cannabis act, recreational cannabis users are permitted to grow up to 6 mature marijuana plants.
CBD and delta-8: While medical and recreational cannabis use are both legal, delta-8 THC is illegal under Rhode Island state law. While Rhode Island has legalized all derivatives, cannabinoids, and isomers of hemp, a separate law defines Delta-8 THC within the state’s classification of “THC” and prohibits its use for human consumption.
How to become a caregiver in Rhode Island
While medical and recreational cannabis use are both legal, delta-8 THC is illegal under Rhode Island state law. While Rhode Island has legalized all derivatives, cannabinoids, and isomers of hemp, a separate law defines Delta-8 THC within the state’s classification of “THC” and prohibits its use for human consumption.
Caregiver vs. Authorized Purchaser:
Caregiver: A primary caregiver can assist with the patient’s use of medical marijuana.
- A primary caregiver must be at least 21 years of age and live in Rhode Island.
- As of January 1, 2017, anyone applying for a primary caregiver registration must be a resident of Rhode Island. Caregivers who received registrations on or before December 31, 2016, will keep their primary caregiver status, but will need to show proof of Rhode Island residency to qualify for renewal when their caregiver registration expires.
- A primary caregiver can assist no more than five patients with their use of medical marijuana. Patients can have one caregiver.
- Caregivers can grow and buy for patients.
- There is no state fee for caregivers.
- Background check required.
- Each location will advise on any fees required.
- The background check must include fingerprints.
- The law enforcement agency will send the background check results directly to RIDOH. RIDOH will send a copy to you.
- If you had a background check from the NCIC in the past two years, you can send a copy with your medical marijuana card application. You do not need to get a new background check.
- Caregiver information is always provided by the patient first. Once the patient designates a caregiver and shares the caregiver’s email, the caregiver will get an email with directions on how to use the portal to get approved as a caregiver.
Authorized Purchaser: A patient may designate an authorized purchaser to assist in purchasing and delivering marijuana from a compassion center.
- Each authorized purchaser can only assist one patient. Patients can have one authorized purchaser.
- An authorized purchaser must be 21 years old and pass a National Criminal Identification Check.
- An authorized purchaser does not need Rhode Island residency and may live out of state.
- Authorized purchasers can only pick up medication for patients.
- There is no state fee for authorized purchasers.
- The patient will designate an authorized purchaser during the state medical marijuana application.
Information for patients, caregivers, and authorized purchasers
Fact sheet for patients, caregivers, and authorized purchasers
Minor medical cannabis patient information
A parent/guardian must be designated as the caregiver if the person applying is younger than 18. The custodial parent or legal guardian must complete, sign, and upload a Declaration of Person Responsible for a Minor to Participate form with the medical marijuana card application.
All patients, including minors, must see a doctor semi-annually and renew their license every year.
Minor patients in Rhode Island are not able to be certified through Leafwell at this time.
Can you use a Rhode Island medical cannabis card in other states?
Rhode Island offers medical marijuana reciprocity to cardholders from other states. These states will also recognize your Rhode Island medical card:
- Arizona
- Arkansas *
- Hawaii *
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan (at the dispensary’s discretion)
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey *
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma *
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- U.S. Virgin Islands *
- Utah * (up to two 21-day periods in a calendar year)
- Washington, D.C.
*Visitors must complete a visiting patient application with the state medical marijuana program.
FAQs
How much does a Rhode Island medical marijuana card cost?
What medical conditions qualify for a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island?
- AIDS/HIV
- Alzheimer's disease
- Cachexia (wasting syndrome)
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Epilepsy and seizure disorders
- Glaucoma
- Hepatitis C
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (must be 18+)
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristic of Multiple Sclerosis or Crohn's Disease
- Severe nausea
What do I need to know about applying for my medical marijuana in Rhode Island online?
- Proof of citizenship and Rhode Island residency. Proof of citizenship and residency can be a driver's license, vehicle or voter registration, car insurance bill, or other official documents that show your full name and home address.
- Medical records.
How old do I have to be to apply for a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island?
Can I be/have a caregiver for a medical marijuana patient in Rhode Island?
- A primary caregiver must be at least 21 years of age and live in Rhode Island.
- As of January 1, 2017, anyone applying for a primary caregiver registration must be a resident of Rhode Island. Caregivers who received registrations on or before December 31, 2016, will keep their primary caregiver status but must show proof of Rhode Island residency to qualify for renewal when their caregiver registration expires.
- A primary caregiver can assist no more than five patients with their use of medical marijuana. Patients can have one caregiver.
- Caregivers can grow and buy for patients.
- Caregivers who will grow for their patients must register the grow location with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- Plant tags must be purchased from the Department of Business Regulation and will be subject to the department's rules and regulations for tag use.
- There is no state fee for caregivers.
- Background check required. More information can be found here.
- Each location will advise on any fees required.
- The background check must include fingerprints.
- The law enforcement agency will send the background check results directly to RIDOH. RIDOH will send a copy to you.
- If you had a background check from the NCIC in the past two years, you can send a copy with your application. You do not need to get a new background check.
- Caregiver information is always provided by the patient first. Once the patient designates a caregiver and shares the caregiver’s email, the caregiver will get an email with directions on how to use the portal to get approved as a caregiver.
- Each authorized purchaser can only assist one patient. Patients can have one authorized purchaser.
- An authorized purchaser must be 21 years old and pass a National Criminal Identification Check. More information can be found here.
- Each location will advise on any fees required.
- The background check must include fingerprints.
- The law enforcement agency will send the background check results directly to RIDOH. RIDOH will send a copy to you.
- If you had a background check from the NCIC in the past two years, you can send a copy with your application. You do not need to get a new background check.
- An authorized purchaser may live out of state.
- Authorized purchasers can only pick up medication for patients.
- There is no state fee for authorized purchasers.
- The patient will designate an authorized purchaser during the state application.
How do I apply for the state program in Rhode Island?
Before you start, have these supporting documents ready:
- Your Practitioner Written Certification Form, filled out by a medical marijuana physician qualified to see patients in Rhode Island.
Getting your Rhode Island medical marijuana card:
- Go to the Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Portal and register a new account. Once you are logged into your account, you will see the Apply for Licenses page.
- Click the Apply button under Medical Marijuana Cards, and then click the Go to Apply button to start your application.
- Scroll through the Application Information section and click Next.
- Fill out the Patient Form with your information and then click Next.
- Enter all the required information on the Practitioner Information page and upload your Practitioner Written Certification Form.
- Upload all of the required documents on the Attachments page.
- On the Caregiver Information screen, if you want to designate a Caregiver, select Yes on the drop-down and then type in all the required information in the Caregiver Details section. If you do not want to designate a Caregiver, select No from the drop-down. Click Next to go to the next step.
- On the Authorized Purchases Information screen, if you want to designate an Authorized Purchaser, select Yes on the drop-down and then type in all the required information in the Authorized Purchaser Details section. If you do not want to designate an Authorized Purchaser, select No from the drop-down. Click Next to go to the next step.
- On the Signature screen, click on Sign the Document. Click OK on the pop-up to go to the next step.
- Click on Sign Here to add your official electronic signature to the document, and then click Finish.
- You'll be taken back to the Signature page. Click Submit to submit your application.
- If you want to go back and see a submitted application, click on Navigate To My Applications.