If you are a Rhode Island resident living with a condition that may benefit from cannabis-related treatments, it is essential to understand how the state’s medical marijuana laws work. If you wish to acquire marijuana for medical treatment purposes in Rhode Island, there are numerous steps you must complete.
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, state law permits residents with certain medical conditions to possess and/or cultivate small amounts of marijuana. There are only a few qualifying medical conditions that the state recognizes. In general, these conditions must be serious and/or debilitating. Some of the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana include Hepatitis C, AIDS and cancer. You may also qualify for medical marijuana treatment if you have chronic symptoms such as seizures, severe pain or wasting syndrome.
If you and your doctor think marijuana may help you, the first thing to do is make sure your situation meets the state’s requirements for qualifying conditions. If it does, your practitioner needs to fill out certain forms before you may apply to become a Registered Medical Marijuana Patient. You may be able to get a reduced application fee if you receive Medicaid, Veterans’ Disability benefits or Social Security Disability Income. Along with filing an application, you may also designate a caregiver and/or an authorized purchaser.
Rhode Island’s laws require you to use marijuana responsibly and in accordance with your doctor’s orders. You may face criminal charges if you use the drug outside of your doctor’s instructions or share it with others.
This information on medical marijuana in Rhode Island is intended to educate and should not be taken as legal advice.