If you live in Rhode Island, you may qualify to apply for a medical cannabis card. That allows patients to try different cannabis products as part of a treatment plan to help manage chronic debilitating symptoms. In Rhode Island, the Department of Health’s Medical Marijuana Program administers all aspects of the state Medical Marijuana Act and all regulations for patients and certifying practitioners.
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- Cancer or the treatment of this condition
- Glaucoma or the treatment of this condition
- Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or the treatment of this condition
- Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the treatment of this condition
- Hepatitis C or the treatment of this condition
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- 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, 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
A formal diagnosis is required from a primary care provider (PCP). When a patient applies for a Rhode Island medical card, they must provide health records that show the diagnosis. And if the patient received a diagnosis several years prior, an update to their health records will be required to confirm they still have the chronic disease to be eligible.
Rhode Island is one of the few states that have a reciprocal agreement with other jurisdictions. If you are a patient with a medical card visiting Rhode Island, you can present your valid card to purchase cannabis. And enjoy the same legal protection as residents.
The following types of medical cannabis are currently available for patients:
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- Whole flower (smokable)
- Topicals
- Tinctures
- Concentrates
- Pre-rolls
- Edibles
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In Rhode Island, vapes are illegal. So are e-cigarettes. If you visit, remember that you will not be able to purchase a vape cartridge at any compassion center.
You must be a legal resident of the state of Rhode Island and eighteen (18) years of age or older to apply for your medical card. If you are under eighteen, you must apply and then designate a caregiver or legal guardian.
Your application is not a guarantee of receiving a medical card. It is subject to the discretion of the physician who conducts your health evaluation. If the physician refers you to the Rhode Island cannabis program, your application is also reviewed.
Suppose you receive approval from the Rhode Island medical marijuana program. In that case, you will successfully be registered as a patient and enjoy the legal protections of using medical cannabis for your health needs.
Rhode Island calls dispensaries “Compassion Centers”. The licensed retail locations have an assortment of medical cannabis products for patients. They can also provide expert advice on strains, potencies, and different intake methods for patients.
Despite the addition of recreational cannabis, here are a few benefits to having a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island.
1. Lower Cost
The taxes on Rhode Island recreational cannabis can exceed 20%, and that is before you tip your budtender. This consists of a 10% cannabis tax, a 3% tax by the community where it is sold, and the current 7% sales tax.
Consider this; if you purchase $150 of recreational cannabis a month, that is $360 or more a year that you will pay in taxes on top of your purchase price and tips.
The fee for a Rhode Island medical cannabis card is $100 annually, but there are no taxes on medical marijuana. If you spend approximately $42 or more on cannabis monthly, it would be more cost-efficient to have a medical card.
2. Delivery and Wait Times
Medical cannabis patients have the ability to order their cannabis ahead of time and pick it up curbside. This is not available for recreational users.
It is also worth noting that consumers can expect shorter lines for medical cardholders. No matter if a dispensary serves both medical and recreational consumers, the point of sale is separate.
3. Purchase Experience
Having experienced sales staff (budtenders) can make a big difference in your purchasing experience. Medical marijuana card holders have the option for consultations with staff who have worked with the product from seed to sale, under Rhode Island law. Recreational budtenders are trained to sell to the masses.
4. Lower Age Limit
Any adult age 18 and older can receive a Rhode Island medical cannabis evaluation and a card. Recreational purchases require customers to be 21 or older. This is an important differentiator for young adults seeking the wellness benefits of cannabis.
5. Discount Availability
Interestingly, when evaluating medical vs recreational cannabis in Rhode Island, it is worth noting that discounts are not allowed for recreational sales. Medical dispensaries are permitted to offer loyalty incentives, military discounts, and more.
6. Reciprocity
Rhode Island is not the only state with a cost-effective medical marijuana program. If you happen to travel, you may be able to receive the benefits of medical card holders in the state you are visiting. States with reciprocity include:
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- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Utah
- Washington
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