Rhode Island

The state of Rhode Island, like several others, established a hemp cultivation trial in response to the 2014 Farm Bill. The Hemp Growth Act , which went into effect on January 1, 2017, distinguished marijuana and hemp by THC content. Hemp must have a concentration of less than .3 percent THC weight for it to be considered legal.
The Industrial Hemp Growth Act requires all hemp growers, handlers, merchants, and dealers to obtain a license from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) . The DBR regulates licensing, uses a seed-to-sale tracking system, and oversees seed certification methods. Following the submission of an application for a license, background checks are conducted. License applications may be found on the DBR's website under the Industrial Hemp section.
In July 2019, Rhode Island expanded its hemp program, allowing the sale of hemp-derived consumable CBD goods. Concentrates, extracts, and CBD-infused meals are examples of these items. Hemp CBD products can now be sold at retail and traded commercially in licensed retail outlets. The possession, transportation, and sale of consumable CBD products to persons under the age of 21 are all illegal.

Table of contents

1. Brief info

  • Is CBD Legal in Rhode Island?
 The products that contain less than 0.3% THC are federally legal in Rhode Island.
  •   Who Can Buy CBD in Rhode Island? 
Individuals at the age of 18 or over.
  •   Who Can Grow CBD Products in Rhode Island?
People that have a license issued by the government.
  •   Who is protected from criminal offenses regarding CBD use?
The ones who didn’t exceed the dosage and possession limits of CBD.
  • More in-depth information about the state regulations and laws

2. Rhode Island CBD laws

The state of Rhode Island, like several others, established a hemp cultivation trial in response to the 2014 Farm Bill. The Hemp Growth Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2017, distinguished marijuana and hemp by THC content. Hemp must have a concentration of less than .3 percent THC weight for it to be considered legal. In July 2019, Rhode Island expanded its hemp program, allowing the sale of hemp-derived consumable CBD goods. Concentrates, extracts, and CBD-infused meals are examples of these items. Hemp CBD products can now be sold at retail and traded commercially in licensed retail outlets. The possession, transportation, and sale of consumable CBD products to persons under the age of 21 are all illegal. The sale of CBD in food and beverages is regulated by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR). Any hemp-derived product intended to be eaten must be handled and distributed in line with state and local food laws. The DBR is currently working on further rules for retailers. According to federal law, cannabis-derived CBD products must be packaged in a food-safe manner that includes seed-to-sale tracking information and a warning that the product is not FDA approved. Labels must also explain the extraction method, solvents used, and list product weight along with the quantity of THC, CBD, and other compounds from the test results. According to Rhode Island law, CBD packaging cannot make therapeutic claims. Cannabidiol (CBD) products extracted from marijuana are lawful, however, they are only available to eligible medical marijuana patients now.

Licensing Requirements

The Industrial Hemp Growth Act requires all hemp growers, handlers, merchants, and dealers to obtain a license from the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR). The DBR regulates licensing, uses a seed-to-sale tracking system, and oversees seed certification methods. Following the submission of an application for a license, background checks are conducted. License applications may be found on the DBR's website under the Industrial Hemp section. Rather than requiring a separate license and charge for each position, as some states do, Rhode Island provides two licenses to growers and handlers. The DBR is also required by law to inspect and test hemp crops. Any crop with a THC content higher than .3 percent will be destroyed at the expense of the licensee. The licensee may be fined or have their license revoked if they are convicted.

Where to Buy CBD Products Legally In Rhode Island?

There are a number of CBD-specific shops in Rhode Island where hemp-derived CBD may be bought. Pharmacies, supermarkets, and health food stores may also sell CBD products. As the quantity of hemp cultivated in the state increases, more places will offer CBD items. The only way to acquire cannabidiol derived from marijuana is via a state-licensed dispensary. Online retailers offer a wide range of CBD items, allowing customers to read reviews and place orders for delivery. Online purchasing also allows you to obtain extensive product information, compare various items and product types, and compare prices in order to discover the greatest item at the best price. CBD products from a reputable brand may be found on the company's website or through an eCommerce shop. Buying CBD online is a good option for those who wish to receive a wider variety of CBD products that dispensaries do not have. In addition, buying online is highly recommended for people who live in locations without access to recreational or medical marijuana because it allows consumers to be completely anonymous. You will also find more brands and retailers selling CBD online than at your local dispensary. If you are new to cannabis, don't have a doctor's recommendation regarding the use of medical marijuana, and aren't interested in obtaining one from a reputable dispensary in your area, visiting an e-commerce site may be a better choice for you than a physical store location. If you do decide on shopping at a dispensary instead of purchasing CBD items online, try contacting other patients before going into the shop so you will get enough information about the products and their effects.

Medical Cannabis in Rhode Island

Residents of Rhode Island suffering from debilitating medical conditions may use marijuana if a doctor certifies in writing that it can help them and that the therapeutic advantages of using medical marijuana would outweigh the health risks to the patient, according to the state's Medical Marijuana Act. Patients, caregivers, and purchasers who are registered with the Department of Health's Medical Marijuana Program can lawfully possess a restricted amount of marijuana. Registered patients may pick one caregiver and one authorized buyer. Up to five people can be cared for by an individual caregiver. Only one patient may be served at a time by an affiliate of the compassion center. There is no restriction on how many individuals a compassion center may assist.

Steps to Receive a Medical Marijuana Card in Rhode Island

Step 1: Meet With a Certified Doctor

Meet with a certified doctor to get approval for your medical condition. 

Step 2: Fill in the Application and Pay the Fees

Fill in your application, by providing information about your residence, date of birth, qualifying condition, etc. 

Step 3: Receive the Card

Receive your card, after the approval. 

Rhode Island CBD possession limits

At the present time, there are no CBD possession limitations for hemp-derived CBD products in Rhode Island. Qualified medical marijuana patients may possess up to two and a half ounces of usable cannabis every fifteen days. There are no special repercussions for possessing cannabis-derived CBD products. Individuals who are not registered with the state's medical-marijuana program and are caught in possession of less than one ounce of cannabis may be fined up to $150, although this is a civil violation rather than a criminal one. A criminal charge for possession of one ounce to one kilogram of cannabis can result in a year in prison and a $500 maximum fine.

3. Notes

  1. Geoffrey William Guy; Brian Anthony Whittle; Philip Robson (2004). The Medicinal Uses of Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Pharmaceutical Press. pp. 74–. ISBN 978-0-85369-517-2.
  2. Bloomsbury Publishing (2010). Dictionary of Medical Terms. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 139.