Growing Marijuana In Rhode Island

Please note: ILGM is NOT a legal adviser. Information contained in this website is intended as general introductory information only. The information contained on this website is not legal advice. It should not be construed as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.

The tiniest state in America loves to smoke marijuana.  I can’t say that I know this personally, but according to a study, Rhode Island has the highest percentage of reported weed smokers. That is an impressive honor, especially since they have not legalized marijuana. Yet, that doesn’t stop 1 in every 8 Rhode Island resident from enjoying some good herb.

Rhode Island laws

Rhode Island has decriminalized marijuana, and it also has an active medical marijuana program. Its medical marijuana program went into effect in 2006 and continues to thrive today.  Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease, cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, nausea, PTSD, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms can register to use marijuana for treatment.  If your condition does not qualify, it may be one of the “other conditions subject to approval”. Patients can buy marijuana at one of three dispensaries.

In addition to an active medical marijuana program, Rhode Island has a specific guideline on marijuana for personal use. Possession of less than 1 ounce is a civil offense – not a misdemeanor – that if caught, is only a $150 fine.

Growing in Rhode Island

Although you will not go to jail for the personal use of marijuana in Rhode Island,  growing marijuana in Rhode Island for recreational use is still very illegal. The laws associate recreational growing with selling and have pretty stiff consequences (even for America). So, you need to be registered either as a patient or caregiver if you plan to grow weed.  Patients who’d like to begin growing marijuana in this state should pick up an application at the Rhode Island Department of Health.  Caregivers will also use the same form. Caregivers should be at least 21 years old and are allowed to have up to 5 patients.

Although they don’t allow growing for recreational use, they are more than generous when it comes to growing for medical use.  Patients and caregivers can grow up to 12 plants. They only require that they are grown indoors – probably to prevent all of those jealous recreational smokers.

Dealing marijuana

Rhode Island lets its patients grow marijuana, and it has the highest amount of reported marijuana users, but it is not permissive to marijuana selling. The otherwise, the easy-going state has mandatory minimums for those selling or thinking about selling weed. It starts at ten years in jail and goes up to life. They also think growers that aren’t growing for patients intend to sell to recreational users. If you want to stay out of trouble, leave the selling to the state, get registered as a caregiver or patient, and grow enough weed for yourself and your patients.

If you need some help getting started growing marijuana in Rhode Island, check out the  Marijuana Grow Bible.  All you need to do is download it (it is free), read it and buy your seeds.  In it, you’ll learn how to grow the best Rhode Island dozen the state will allow.

Marijuana legislation can be complicated, but Jenny Bloom is always up for the task. Although not a lawyer, her experience as a reporter and PR specialist helps her understand legalese – especially when it relates to growing marijuana. A passionate supporter of legalization and home... [read more]

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