How to get your Medical Cannabis Card in Rhode Island

Who can apply for a medical cannabis card in Rhode Island?

You must be a legal resident of the state of Rhode Island in order to apply for a Rhode Island medical cannabis card and over the age of 18.

If you are under 18, or unable to access your medical cannabis, you may have a registered caregiver who can apply on their behalf. Caregivers must be over the age of 21.

What does a medical cannabis card allow in Rhode Island?

As a medical cannabis patient in Rhode Island, you are permitted to possess the following:

Flower: 2.5oz on person.

Flower: 10 oz on property

Concentrate: 1oz

Access to all three of Rhode Island’s medical marijuana dispensaries located in Providence, Warwick & Portsmouth

How do I apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Rhode Island with Canna Care Docs?

To apply for a medical cannabis card in Rhode Island you must first make an appointment with Canna Care Docs. We offer easy online booking at www.cannacaredocs.com or you can book by giving us a call at 866-846-2420

To prepare for your appointment you will want to collect your medical records pertaining to the qualifying condition you wish to treat with Medical Cannabis.

What Can I Expect During an Evaluation for a Medical Cannabis Card in Rhode Island?

During your appointment, you will meet directly with a knowledgeable provider who will decide if medical cannabis is right for you. Upon a recommendation from our medical cannabis practitioners, you will receive a written certification form from your medical cannabis provider which will be mailed to you directly.

How do I apply for a Medical Cannabis Card with the state of Rhode Island?

You will receive your written medical cannabis approval from Canna Care Docs in the mail.

Once you have your written approval from your Canna Care Docs practitioner you will need to register directly with the state of Rhode Island.

Download your application from the state of Rhode Island website at https://health.ri.gov/forms/registration/MedicalMarijuanaNewApplication.pdf

Send your filled in application, approval document from your Canna Care Docs provider a $50 check payable to the Rhode Island General Treasurer to Rhode Island Center for Professional Licensing Room 105A 3 Capitol Hill Providence, RI 02908

The application process takes 2-4 weeks from the date it is accepted in this office. Applications received that are incomplete will be returned to the patient and the processing time will start over. For confidentiality purposes, information regarding application status will NOT be given over the phone. Once you are approved you will receive a letter to come in for your photograph.

Once you are invited to the state offices for your photograph, you will receive your physical card which gives you immediate access to one of the three medical cannabis dispensaries in the state of Rhode Island. NOTE: This process may be done differently during COVID-19

How much does it cost to get a Rhode Island Medical Cannabis Card?

The cost of your evaluation with Canna Care Docs in Rhode Island is $150. We offer discounts for military veterans.

The cost of your application to the State of Rhode Island is $50. There are discounts for those who receive SNAP, Medicare/Medicaid or veteran’s disability.

What Conditions Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Rhode Island?

In order to be seen by one of Canna Care Docs practitioner, you must have a previous diagnosis of a chronic or temporary diagnosis of one or more of the qualifying conditions set by the State of Rhode Island.

• Cancer or the treatment of this condition (such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy)
• Glaucoma or the treatment of this condition
• Positive status of 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) – you must be 18 years old
• Autism Spectrum Disorder

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 – must be specified
• Severe nausea
• Seizures, including but not limited to that characteristic of epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis or Crohn’s Disease
• Agitation related to Alzheimer’s Disease

What Documents do I need to apply for a Medical Cannabis Card in Rhode Island

To apply for a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island you must provide a valid state ID, proof of residency, medical records, and a signed certification (obtained from Canna Care Docs)

Acceptable ID

• Valid driver’s license
• Identification cards issued by the state of Rhode Island
• Birth certificate (for those under 18)

Acceptable proof of residency

• Vehicle registration
• Voters registration
• Correspondence from another state agency with current date
• Current car insurance bill

Medical Records

• Progress notes
• Health summary
• List of diagnoses
• Medication list (or pictures of prescription bottles)

Do I need to provide my medical records to Canna Care Docs?

Yes, in order for our providers to make a medical cannabis recommendation they must be able to get a full understanding of your medical history. This allows our practitioners to make an informed recommendation for medical cannabis.

How does a medical cannabis caregiver apply in Rhode Island? Can minors under 18 get a medical cannabis card?

Some patients may be eligible for an MMJ Card but unable to apply for one themselves. For example, should the patient be a minor under the age of 18, or if the patient needs assistance accessing medical cannabis, a caregiver can be assigned to complete the process on their behalf.

The caregiver must be listed on the patient’s application form and comply with the following conditions:

• Caregivers must be 21 years old or older.
• Must live in Rhode Island and submit a copy of one item that proves you live in the state. The item must include your name and current address. Examples of items you can use are:
• Rhode Island driver’s license
• State ID ƒ
• Any correspondence from another state agency, current vehicle registration, car insurance bill or voter’s registration.

• Must get a copy of a National Criminal Information Center (NCIC) background check from a local police department, the Office of the Attorney General, or by appointment with the Rhode Island State Police (401-222-1110)
  • The background check must include fingerprints. ƒ
  • The law enforcement agency will send the background check results directly to RIDOH. ƒ
  • If you had a background check from the NCIC in the past two years, you can send a copy with your application. ƒ
  • RIDOH will not review your application until RIDOH receives your background check results. ƒ
  • Applicants can be disqualified for felony convictions including, but not limited to, felony drug convictions.
• Must pay a $100 non-refundable caregiver application fee. The fee is $25 if you send proof with your application that you receive one of these benefits: Medicaid; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Social Security Disability Income (SSDI); Veterans disability; Federal Railroad disability.

Can a Qualifying Patient grow cannabis in Rhode Island?

Yes, qualifying patients may possess up to 12 plants and 12 seedlings. All cannabis must be grown and cultivated in one location. Plants must be stored indoors.

2 or more cardholders may grow medical cannabis in a residential location

• No more than 10oz of usable cannabis
• 24 mature plants, 24 seedlings

Does Rhode Island have reciprocity?

Yes, Rhode Island accepts out of state medical cards to be used at a medical cannabis dispensary. Patients must bring their state medical card as well as their state issued ID (card & ID must be from the same state)