Medical Vs Recreational Cannabis In Rhode Island

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Medical and recreational cannabis use is a hot topic in the state of Rhode Island. For many years, the state has allowed medical cannabis for those suffering from qualifying conditions, having first passed legislation to permit it back in 2006. Now, with the passing of recent state bills, recreational marijuana will also soon be available for purchase from licensed dispensaries across the state.

Though this new legislation has been widely celebrated, many are curious as to what the difference is between medical and recreational cannabis use and whether they should apply for a medical marijuana card if they want to purchase and use cannabis for recreational purposes.

To help clarify the difference, this article will explore what medical cannabis is, who can qualify for a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island, and how recreational marijuana differs from its medical counterpart.

What Is the Difference Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis?

The main difference between medical and recreational cannabis lies in their availability, pricing, and effects.

Medical cannabis typically requires a doctor’s recommendation and/or a medical marijuana card to purchase from a licensed dispensary. This means that there are additional regulations in place for licensing dispensaries and growing, processing, testing, and selling medical marijuana products.

Furthermore, the price of medical cannabis may be lower than recreational cannabis due to certain tax exemptions that are not available for recreational users.

When it comes to the actual product itself, there is no real distinction between medical and recreational cannabis. The same strains of cannabis can be used both medically and recreationally.

That said, dispensaries often offer more specialized products tailored specifically towards medical use, such as tinctures or concentrated extracts with higher concentrations of certain cannabinoids for medical treatment.

Recreational cannabis, on the other hand, does not require a medical marijuana card or doctor’s recommendation to purchase. Recreational marijuana typically also has higher taxes imposed on it as well as certain age restrictions in place, which can limit access.

What Are the Benefits of a Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card?

Now that you know the difference between medical and recreational marijuana use, you may be wondering if a medical marijuana card is right for you. The answer will depend on your individual needs and situation.

However, many potential benefits come with obtaining a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island, including:

1. Lower Prices Due to Certain Tax Exemptions

One of the primary benefits of obtaining a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island is lower prices due to certain tax exemptions.

For instance, recreational cannabis taxes typically exceed 20%, consisting of a 10% cannabis tax, a 3% community benefit tax, and a 7% sales tax.

A medical marijuana card, on the other hand, only costs $150 annually and offers no additional taxes on purchases. This means medical marijuana users can enjoy significantly lower prices for the same products.

Additionally, some dispensaries offer discounts to those with valid medical marijuana cards. These discounts can range from 5%-20% off each purchase, further ensuring that medical marijuana users get access to high-quality products at a much more affordable price.

On the other hand, offering discounts on recreational cannabis is prohibited, so recreational users are typically subject to much higher prices.

2. Ability to Cultivate Cannabis for Personal Use with Certain Restrictions

Under Rhode Island’s current laws, medical marijuana cardholders and patients are allowed to cultivate up to six plants with no more than three mature plants at any given time. The plants must be grown in an enclosed, locked space and away from public view.

In addition, all harvested cannabis must be labeled and stored securely in a safe or lockbox. Any harvested cannabis may only be used for personal medical use and not for sale or distribution.

These regulations are put in place to ensure that medical marijuana cardholders are only cultivating and using cannabis for their own benefit and not selling it to the public. It also helps ensure that these products meet the same rigorous testing standards as those sold in dispensaries.

Above all else, having access to your own homegrown cannabis provides an easy way for medical marijuana users to ensure they have a reliable supply of high-quality medicine without having to worry about running out or paying higher prices at dispensaries.

3. Home Delivery Options Available

In addition to cultivating cannabis, medical marijuana cardholders in Rhode Island are allowed to have their medicine delivered directly to their home. This is convenient for those who may not be able to make it down to a dispensary or who would prefer the convenience of having their medicine delivered right to their doorstep.

Home delivery services typically require a valid photo ID and medical marijuana card to place an order. Additionally, most home delivery services will need your signature upon delivery as proof of age and identity before releasing the product.

Recreational marijuana users, on the other hand, are not eligible for home delivery services and will have to make a trip down to their local dispensary to purchase cannabis.

4. Lower Age Restrictions Compared to Recreational Use

According to Rhode Island’s current laws, medical marijuana use is permitted for any individual over the age of 18 with a valid medical marijuana card and doctor’s recommendation. This means that individuals below the legal drinking age may still be able to access medical cannabis products.

However, recreational marijuana use is only allowed for those 21 years of age or older, regardless of whether they have a valid medical marijuana card or not.

This means that individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 would not be eligible for recreational marijuana purchases and consumption but would be able to purchase and consume medical cannabis products with their valid medical marijuana cards.

Overall, having a valid medical marijuana card offers an opportunity for those between 18-21 years old to access high-quality medical cannabis products without having to wait until they are 21 and can legally partake in recreational cannabis activities.

5. Reciprocity

If you’re a medical marijuana cardholder in Rhode Island and regularly travel out of state, having a valid medical marijuana card can be a real lifesaver. This is because Rhode Island has reciprocity agreements with other states that allow Rhode Island residents to use their cards to purchase medical marijuana products while they are traveling.

Many states have enacted similar laws that recognize the validity of medical cards issued by other states. As long as the individual has a valid medical marijuana card from any US state, they may be able to purchase cannabis products without fear of being arrested or charged with drug possession.

The US states that have reciprocity include:

1. Arkansas
2. Hawaii
3. Maine
4. New Hampshire
5. Nevada
6. New Mexico
7. Oklahoma
8. Puerto Rico
9. Utah
10. Washington D.C.

Who Can Apply for Medical Marijuana Prescription in Rhode Island?

In Rhode Island, individuals may be eligible for a medical marijuana prescription if they have one of the approved qualifying debilitating medical conditions. These conditions include:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
• Hepatitis C
• A chronic or debilitating disease/medical condition that produces wasting syndrome, severe pain, extreme nausea, and seizures, including but not limited to epilepsy
• Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those caused by multiple sclerosis
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

If you or someone you know has any of these conditions, they may be eligible for a medical marijuana prescription in Rhode Island. It’s important to note, however, that the doctor’s recommendation must come from a physician who is licensed and registered with the Rhode Island Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program.

Additionally, individuals must have lived and been diagnosed in Rhode Island for at least 6 months before being eligible to apply.

How to Obtain a Medical Marijuana Card in Rhode Island

The process of obtaining a medical marijuana card in Rhode Island is relatively straightforward.

To qualify for a medical marijuana prescription, individuals must be 18 years or older and must have one of the approved qualifying debilitating medical conditions.

To begin the process, individuals will need to print out the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card Application form and bring it to their General Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner, Physician, Qualified Patient Card Consultant, or Prescribing Medical Professional for approval.

Once the doctor approves the application, you will then need to send a check for $50 with your completed application before submitting it to the Rhode Island Department of Health Medical Marijuana Program.

When submitting the application, you must provide proof of residency, such as a valid driver’s license or state ID.

If approved by the Department of Health, you can expect to receive your physical medical marijuana card within a few weeks after submitting your application, along with payment.

Once you have received your physical medical marijuana card, you may purchase cannabis products from licensed dispensaries throughout Rhode Island that are approved by the Department of Health.

Must Read: How Much Does A Medical Marijuana Card Cost?