How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Rhode Island

What is an MMJ Card in Rhode Island?

A medical marijuana identification card (MMJ card) in Rhode Island is a card that allows medical marijuana patients to possess and use marijuana for medical purposes. It also permits caregivers to purchase medical cannabis on behalf of cannabis patients under their care.

Who Can Apply for an MMJ Card in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, patients diagnosed with certain chronic medical conditions can apply for a medical marijuana card. These patients include adults aged 18 and above as well as minors under the age of 18. Minors must have their parents’ or legal guardians' consent to apply for medical marijuana cards. Legal guardians or parents usually serve as primary caregivers for patients who are minors.

In addition to eligible patients, Rhode Island also issues medical marijuana registration cards to primary caregivers and authorized purchases. Primary caregivers assist patients in the use of marijuana while authorized purchases are only allowed to purchase medical cannabis on behalf of patients. Rhode Island requires both primary caregivers and authorized purchasers to be at least 21 years old. While caregivers must be residents of Rhode Island, authorized purchases may live out of state.

A patient registered in the Rhode Island medical marijuana program can only have one caregiver and one authorized purchaser. However, a caregiver may care for up to five medical marijuana patients in the state. Rhode Island can only register one authorized purchaser for each patient. It also requires the purchaser to pass a National Criminal Identification Check.

Can a Minor Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Rhode Island?

Yes, a minor can obtain a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island with the help of their legal guardian or parent. Generally, patients under 18 years must designate a custodial parent or guardian as their primary caregiver or authorized purchaser.

What Conditions Qualify for Medical Marijuana Cards in Rhode Island in 2024?

To qualify for a medical marijuana identification card in Rhode Island, a person must be diagnosed by a licensed physician with any debilitating condition. These conditions include:

• Cancer or cancer treatment
• Glaucoma or glaucoma treatment
• Positive HIV status or HIV treatment
• AIDS or treatment for AIDS
• Hepatitis C or treatment for Hepatitis C
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for patients who are 18 or older
• A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
  • Cachexia or wasting syndrome
  • Severe, debilitating, or chronic pain
  • Severe nausea
  • Seizures, including but not limited to, those characteristic of epilepsy
  • Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease
  • Agitation related to Alzheimer's disease.

How Do I Apply for an MMJ Card in Rhode Island in 2024?

On March 27, 2023, Rhode Island moved all applications and renewals for patients, caregivers, and authorized purchasers to online. Those wishing to join the state’s medical marijuana program and obtain registration cards must submit their applications on the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Cannabis Licensing Portal. The Department provides a handy guide for setting up an account and registering for a medical marijuana card on the portal.

To apply for a Rhode Island medical marijuana registration card:

• Create an account in the Licensing Portal
• Get a medical cannabis recommendation from your doctor. The doctor must complete and sign a Practitioner Written Certification Form. Scan the completed and signed form and upload a digital copy to your profile on the Licensing Portal. Individuals diagnosed to be on the autism spectrum must submit a Practitioner Written Certification Form for Use with Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis
• Provide all required details and upload all requested documents on the Portal. These include:
  • Proof of residency in Rhode Island
  • Government-issued ID like a Rhode Island State ID or driver’s license
  • A photograph

An applicant can designate a caregiver during the registration process and then designate an authorized purchaser after their registration has been approved. Minors must submit a completed Minor Form with their application. This form must be completed and signed by their custodial parents or legal guardians.

How Does a Primary Caregiver Get a Rhode Island MMIC?

When a patient designates a caregiver during their registration in the Licensing Portal, they must provide the email of the caregiver. The caregiver gets an email that directs them to the Licensing Portal and gives them instructions on how to complete their registration as primary caregivers. Their registration card becomes available when their registration is approved.

How long does it take to get a Rhode Island MMIC?

The Rhode Island Department of Health approves or denies each application within 35 days of submission. However, most applications are decided in 5 - 10 days. Once approved, the Department mails the medical marijuana registration card to the patient, caregiver, or authorized purchaser named on the application.

How Much Does a Medical Marijuana Card Cost in Rhode Island?

As of December 1, 2022, a Rhode Island medical marijuana card is free. This card is renewed annually. The Rhode Island Department of Health, however, charges $10 to replace a lost or stolen card. It also charges the same amount to change any information on an issued registration card.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Rhode Island?

To apply for an MMJ card in Rhode Island, a qualifying patient or caregiver needs the following documents:

• Proof of current Rhode Island residency
• Practitioner Written Certification Form
• Practitioner Written Certification Form for Use with Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis (if applicable)
• A valid government-issued identification card
• A digital copy of your photo

What Information appears on a Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card?

A Rhode Island medical marijuana card contains the following information:

• A unique identification number peculiar to each user or patient.
• Expiration date, date of issuance and
• the cardholder’s name and picture

Can Someone Track Me Down through the Rhode Island Registry?

No. Due to the high level of confidentiality of the database containing patients’ information, it is unlikely for someone to track down cannabis patients through the Rhode Island cannabis registry. This information in the registry is not for public consumption. Except on legal and medical grounds, the staff in charge of a medical marijuana patients registry would only speak to patients and registered caregivers if the need arises. Unless the patient reveals the information, it is impossible for anyone to obtain or track down the patient at random. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patients' sensitive or confidential information in prescription medicine. The provisions of this act also apply to medical cannabis and protect marijuana patients’ information