Medicinal Marijuana in Rhode Island

In early 2006, the General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island passed a law directing the Department of Health to create a medicinal marijuana program. In doing so, Rhode Island became the eleventh state in the Union to have such a program. Since that time, this number has grown to 13 states. Rhode Island's program, like many others, allows doctors to recommend treatment with medicinal marijuana and lets patients possess up to 2.5oz of marijuana at one time.

Criticism of the bill has largely focused on the supposed dangers of marijuana use. This issue is still very controversial. Some studies indicate that cannabis use can reduce the growth and spread of lung and brain cancer, and can protect the body from neurological degeneration and some autoimmune diseases. Other studies, however, suggest that cannabis would be difficult to regulate as a medicine, and maintain that it carries health risks.

One criticism of the bill itself was that it provided no specific legal way for patients to obtain medicinal marijuana, making it necessary for them to obtain it from illegal sources. One stipulation of the bill, however, is that patients are allowed to possess 12 plants of their own for personal use. In 2009 the General Assembly passed an amendment to the law that will establish three non-profit “Compassion Centers” to grow and distribute marijuana to an unlimited number of patients.

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If you have obtained permission to possess and use medicinal marijuana, you are legally protected under Rhode Island law from most prosecution. Nonetheless, if you are unjustly convicted of a marijuana-related crime, it will stain your criminal record. Knowledgeable and experienced Rhode Island expungement lawyer James Powderly can help. Contact us any time, 24 hours a day, at 401-662-9006.