RHODE ISLAND METRC AND CANNABIS CULTIVATION

Is Medical Marijuana (MMJ) legal in Rhode Island?

Yes. The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act was passed and enacted in January of 2006 in Rhode Island. This allows the possession of 2.5 ounces of cannabis for in-state patients with a Rhode Island registry ID card. 

Is Recreational Cannabis legal in Rhode Island?

Yes. Cannabis was legalized for Adult Use in Rhode Island in May 2022. The first purchase of  marijuana at a dispensary took place in December 2022. Adults over 21 years of age can possess up to one ounce of cannabis.

Cultivation Tiers Defined:

The Rhode Island Cultivation Tiers are as follows:

Micro - up to 2,500 sq ft

Class A - 2,501 to 5,000 sq ft

Class B - 5,001 to 10,000 sq ft

When cannabis was legalized for adult use, medical cultivation facilities had the ability to receive a hybrid license, allowing them to grow for both medical and recreational sale. Rhode Island is not currently issuing new licenses for cultivators.

Restrictions:

Adults may legally cultivate up to 3 plants in their private residence for recreational use. Medical patients may cultivate up to 12 non-flowering and 12 flowering plants in their private residence or appoint a caretaker to grow for them. Medical plants must be tagged with an approved tag by the Office of Business Regulation.

Associated Costs

Rhode Island is not currently accepting applications for new cultivation facilities. The renewal fee structure is below.

Annual Renewal Fees:

Micro - $5,000

Class A - $20,000

Class B - $35,000

Annual Cultivator Renewal Application (including fee structure)

All cultivators who were growing under the previous medical laws have the ability to apply for a hybrid cultivation license. The fees for the hybrid license are below.

Hybrid Application Fees:

Micro - $500

Class A - $2,000

Class B - $3,500

Hybrid Cultivator Application (including fee structure)