Who Qualifies for Medicinal Marijuana in Rhode Island

While Senate Bill 0710 was initially approved in June 2005, it spent a number of years being suspended as it was vetoed and then over-ridden. Finally, in January 03, 2006, the House ultimately overrode the veto, passing the “Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act”, effectively removing all state-level criminal penalties on the use and possession of marijuana by patients in possession of a written letter from a physician stating that he or she may benefit from the medical use of marijuana for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments.

What are the Medical Marijuana Qualifications in Rhode Island

Patients in Rhode Island diagnosed with one of the following severe, debilitating, or life-threatening medical conditions, are afforded legal protection under Rhode Island’s medical marijuana law, as per Senate Bill 0710 — “Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act”:

• cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, or the treatment of these conditions;
• A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome; debilitating, chronic and severe pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to, those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease;
• or any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the state Department of Health.

How to Become A Medical Marijuana Patient in Rhode Island

1. Patients must be a resident in the state of Rhode Island with proof of residency. If you do not have a Rhode Island I.D. an out of state I.D., passport, or other photo I.D. with proof of residency such as bank statement, utility bill, etc is acceptable.
2. The qualifying patient must have been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating medical condition.
3. Patients must obtain legitimate medical records or documentation from his/her primary care physician describing his/her diagnosis. Ensure to bring all records with to the marijuana evaluation appointment — *Learn how to request your medical records
4. The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program (RIMMP) requires all patients to have an established, bonafide doctor/patient relationship, which in some cases may take several appointments, to establish — *Find a certified medical marijuana physician in Rhode Island
5. Once the patient has been certified, the patient MUST register with the RIMMP Patient Registry. Registration is mandatory in order for patients to ensure protection under Rhode Island medical marijuana law.