Marijuna charges in Rhode Island

Facing marijuana charges and need an experienced marijuana lawyer? Rhode Island marijuana laws are constantly changing and evolving every single year. Less than 10 years ago, any marijuana possession was a criminal offense and could subject a person to criminal prosecution.

A criminal marijuana charge could be brought for:

simple possession of marijuana,
possession with intent to deliver marijuana,
delivery of marijuana, and
cultivation of marijuana (cannabis cultivation)

Today, Rhode Island medical marijuana law legalizes cannabis possession for eligible patients and a primary caregiver and has established marijuana legalization for possession of cannabis in small amounts, for recreational purposes. In addition, medical marijuana patients can grow a limited number of plants through the Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Program.

However, despite these advancements, you can still face a marijuana cultivation charge if you’re not a certified medical marijuana patient or if you’re not following the marijuana cultivation guidelines set by the state.

This is why it is critical to have legal representation by an experienced and knowledgeable RI criminal lawyer if you have been charged with any marijuana drug possession case.

Call Rhode Island Marijuana Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. today for a free consultation at 401.861.1155 for your best marijuana defense

Rhode Island law enforcement arrests or tickets more people for criminal marijuana offenses and civil marijuana offenses than for any other controlled substance drug possession crime.

In fact, the Providence Journal reported that Rhode Islanders use more cannabis than anywhere else in the country. Twenty percent of people in Rhode Island said they possessed and used recreational marijuana in the last year.

Often, possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle can also lead to a DUI charge as well if the police believe a person is driving under the influence of marijuana, under DUI law.

Rhode Island marijuana charges and penalties

Penalties for marijuana offenses in Rhode Island can be harsh. Depending on if it’s a criminal drug possession charge, paraphernalia charge, or marijuana cultivation charge against you, the potential penalties under Rhode Island marijuana laws include jail, fines, suspended sentence, probation, and community service.

RI prosecutors will take a possession, sale, or cultivation cannabis charge seriously and your defense attorney should too. If you have been charged with a marijuana misdemeanor or felony, you want the best legal representation you can find.

A knowledgeable and experienced marijuana criminal defense lawyer will give you the best chance at defeating a possession, sale, or cultivation charge and help you avoid a criminal record.

Rhode Island marijuana possession charges for personal use

Simple marijuana possession charge

These marijuana possession offenses are commonly referred to as a “simple possession” drug charge, are NOT considered criminal offenses under Rhode Island marijuana laws, and do not subject a person to criminal court or criminal prosecution.

First or second marijuana offense

A first offense or second offense of cannabis possession or possession of cannabis plant charge of up to one ounce by an individual 18 years or older is a civil violation, punishable by a $150 fine, no jail time, community service, and no criminal record.

Third marijuana offense

However, a third offense marijuana charge within 18 months is considered a misdemeanor drug possession crime which could result in jail and community service.

Possession of 1 ounce to 1 kilogram of marijuana

Possession of 1 ounce to 1 kilogram of marijuana is a misdemeanor marijuana crime which is punishable by a maximum of 1-year imprisonment, community service, a maximum fine of $500, and results in a criminal record requiring expungement at some point in the future.

Legal representation and legal advice by an experienced and aggressive marijuana criminal defense attorney will give you the best chance at avoiding these penalties for simple marijuana possession in District Court. Furthermore, it’s important to work with a marijuana criminal defense lawyer that also specializes in the expungement process to clear your record of a marijuana charge after the required waiting period.

Rhode Island marijuana possession with intent to distribute charges

If you have been arrested by police and charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute you are in immediate need of the best Rhode Island marijuana lawyer and should call S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. at (401) 861-1155 to schedule a free consultation.

Not all criminal defense attorneys are the same, not even close, and the outcome of RI marijuana cases varies greatly depending on your criminal defense attorney’s effectiveness or ineffectiveness.

These drug possession cases are considered felony narcotics offenses or felony charges and are taken very seriously by law enforcement, prosecutors, and courts.

If the police have charged you with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute they are basically charging you with being a drug dealer in that you possessed a large amount of cannabis and intended to distribute that marijuana to others.

Possession of 1-5 kilograms of marijuana

Cannabis possession of an amount between 1-5 kilograms is a felony criminal marijuana charge punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum of 50 years imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $500,000.

Possession of more than 5 kilograms of marijuana

Marijuana possession of more than 5 kilograms is a felony criminal offense punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, and a maximum fine of $100,000.

Possession with intent to deliver marijuana near a school

Marijuana delivery or possession with intent to deliver marijuana within 300 yards of a school may result in a doubling of the penalties.

Possession of any amount of marijuana while driving

Marijuana possession of any amount while driving will result in a driver’s license suspension for a period of 6 months. Law enforcement can also charge a person with a DUI charge (driving under the influence of cannabis) if they believe a person was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana. As a DUI lawyer, my law office has successfully defended many marijuana DUI charges for deserving clients. Check out the DUI page for more information on RI DUI law, DUI defense, and DUI cases.

Marijuana sale, delivery or cultivation charges in Rhode Island

Given the progress made with Rhode Island’s medical marijuana law (see below), many people are now legally cultivating their own medical cannabis plants for medical purposes or recreational use.

However, people often become confused with the limitations and guidelines to cultivating marijuana in the law and inevitably face a cultivation marijuana charge for possessing too many plants or growing marijuana in unlawful locations.

Penalties for marijuana cultivation in RI

Here are some guidelines that Rhode Island residents need to be aware of in order to avoid a delivery, sale, or marijuana cultivation charge:

Sale, delivery, or marijuana cultivation of less than 1 kilogram

Sale, delivery, or marijuana cultivation of less than 1 kilogram is a felony drug charge punishable by a maximum sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $100,000, and a criminal record.

Sale, delivery, or marijuana cultivation of between 1-5 kilograms

Sale, delivery, or marijuana cultivation of between 1-5 kilograms is a felony marijuana charge punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum sentence of 50 years imprisonment as well as a maximum fine of $500,000 and a criminal record requiring expungement at a future date.

Sale, delivery, or marijuana cultivation of 5 kilograms or more

Sale, delivery, or marijuana cultivation of 5 kilograms or more is a felony drug charge punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment as well as a maximum fine of $500,000 and a criminal record requiring expungement at a future date.

Charges for Delivery of marijuana to a minor in Rhode Island

Delivery of marijuana to a minor at least three years younger than the offender is a felony drug charge carrying with it the additional penalty of between 2-5 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $10,000 and a criminal record requiring expungement at a future date.

Sale of cannabis or marijuana possession within 300 yards of a school, public park, or playground

The sale of cannabis or marijuana possession within 300 yards of a school, public park, or playground is a felony drug case and doubles the penalties.

If the police or law enforcement has charged you with the sale, delivery, or cultivation of marijuana it is critical to hire an experienced RI marijuana attorney.

I have handled marijuana law and marijuana cases for 30 years in every courthouse in the state of Rhode Island. As a knowledgeable and experienced marijuana lawyer, I will give you the best legal advice and the best chance of defeating these drug crimes and avoiding any jail time on these serious felony drug offenses, and protecting your criminal record.

Judges, lawyers and police officers have referred their family and friends to me for representation

Other criminal defense lawyers throughout Rhode Island have “Peer Rated” my law office with the Martindale-Hubbell organization as Preeminent in criminal defense, and I am quite thankful to have received its highest honor for 5 straight years.

Check out a few of the hundreds of 5 star reviews and testimonials from former clients.

See all 5 Star Reviews and Client Testimonials

Many defense attorneys are not as familiar with the details of criminal law and marijuana crimes, or simply do not have the background and experience to provide you with the aggressive legal representation required in a felony marijuana cultivation, sale, or delivery charge.

Can medical patients grow marijuana in Rhode Island?

Yes, medical marijuana patients can grow their own marijuana, but they must follow all of the state guidelines to avoid a marijuana cultivation charge. All marijuana must be cultivated in one location and must be stored properly in an indoor facility. You must register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

Can I grow marijuana if I’m a caregiver of a medical marijuana patient?

Yes, Rhode Island does allow caregivers of medical marijuana patients to legally grow marijuana. To become state-approved, the applicant must state whether they plan to grow the plant for themselves or for a patient, and must register with the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation.

How many plants can I grow?

A patient or caregiver can grow up to 12 plants and 12 seedlings at any time, but you must be registered with the state in order to avoid a marijuana cultivation charge.

What are the requirements for cooperative marijuana cultivation?

Cooperative marijuana cultivation is classified as two or more cardholders cultivating marijuana in a residential or non-residential location. Here are the rules and regulations of cooperative marijuana cultivation set by the Office of Cannabis Regulation at the Department of Business Regulation:

All “members” of a licensed cooperative cultivation must be listed on the application and approved by DBR.
No person other than a “member” may participate in the management or operation of the cooperative cultivation or exert any direct or indirect authority over the management or operations of the cooperative cultivation.
The person identified as the primary applicant and the designee of the licensed cooperative cultivation shall be responsible for the verification that each member of the cooperative cultivation is the holder of a valid and active qualified patient or primary caregiver registry identification card. This includes keeping on the premise copies of the qualified patient or primary caregiver cardholder cards printed for the most recent renewal period.
If the cooperative cultivation organizes as a legal entity, then all directors/officers and managers/members must be “members” of the cooperative cultivation as defined in § 1.8(C) of this Part.
No “member” of a licensed cooperative cultivation may grow medical marijuana at any location other than the licensed cooperative cultivation premises. R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28.6-4(r).
Licensed cooperative cultivations must be organized and operated in a manner to ensure compliance with all relevant state and local laws and regulations and to safeguard against diversion of marijuana to illicit markets.

How do I get a plant tag for marijuana cultivation in Rhode Island?

Patients or caregivers who grow marijuana must buy plant tags from the Department of Business Regulation (DBR). All growers must follow DBR regulations for tag use. To learn more about purchasing a plant tag for marijuana cultivation in Rhode Island, contact the DBR office.

While Rhode Island gives considerable room for marijuana cultivation, it’s important to remember that failure to follow these guidelines will lead to a marijuana cultivation charge. If you’re facing a marijuana cultivation charge in Rhode Island, you must speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. As you can see from the penalties listed above, marijuana cultivation punishments can be severe and place a lot of burdens on those who wish to cultivate marijuana legally in the future. Contact our law firm today to learn more about a marijuana cultivation defense.

Hash and concentrates

Hashish, marijuana edibles, and marijuana concentrates fall under the definition of cannabis.

Paraphernalia charges

The manufacture, sale, delivery, or possession with the intent to sell or deliver paraphernalia is punishable by a fine not exceeding five thousand dollars ($5,000) and up to two (2) years imprisonment.

Any person eighteen (18) years of age or over who delivers drug paraphernalia to a person under eighteen (18) years of age shall be subject to a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) and imprisonment not to exceed five (5) years.

Miscellaneous marijuana charges and penalties

Marijuana possession while operating a motor vehicle will result in loss of driving privileges (license suspension) for a period of 6 months and community service. Depending on the facts and circumstances of the arrest, possessing cannabis while operating a motor vehicle can also result in a DUI charge under RI DUI law.

If the offense involves the use of any automobile to transport the marijuana or the marijuana is found within an automobile, then a person convicted or who pleads nolo contendere to one of the above-listed felony cannabis charges in court may be subject to forfeiture of the motor vehicle if prosecutors and law enforcement can prove the motor vehicle was used in the commission of a drug offense.

Defenses for Rhode Island marijuana charges

There are many ways a skilled and experienced Rhode Island marijuana defense lawyer can defend your marijuana possession case.

All criminal defense attorneys are NOT the same, and the outcome in your marijuana criminal case or criminal charge can vary greatly depending on the effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of your criminal defense lawyer.

I have been handling Rhode Island marijuana charges for 30 years as both a prosecutor and a marijuana defense lawyer and this experience has allowed me a wealth of knowledge and strategies simply unavailable to the average RI criminal attorney.

Search warrants

Many RI marijuana possession or cultivation cases and criminal charges begin with law enforcement obtaining a search warrant from a judge for a location, motor vehicle, or person whom they suspect of marijuana possession, marijuana possession with intent to distribute or cultivation of marijuana.

The police must present a sworn affidavit to a judge which details the investigation and reasons why they are seeking the warrant in order to obtain the search warrant.

An experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer knows how to attack search warrant requests, the structure, and inconsistencies of the warrant, and the execution of the warrant.

RI criminal law provides many strategies for a marijuana attorney to defend your criminal case by attacking the validity of the search warrant.

Automobile Search and Seizure Law

Rhode Island law enforcement officials also make numerous marijuana arrests after stopping motor vehicles for traffic infractions.

An experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney knows the ins and outs of RI search and seizure law and can successfully have the marijuana suppressed (thrown out of court) as a result of an illegal stop or an illegal search of the motor vehicle by police.

In fact, Rhode Island law enforcement is well-known for setting up surveillance posts on route 95 in order to try and catch marijuana distributors.

As a Rhode Island criminal defense lawyer with 30 years of experience with RI marijuana law and marijuana criminal charges, there is nothing I have not seen or defended in District Court or Superior Court.

Check out marijuana arrests after motor vehicle stops to see more information about Rhode Island State Police motor vehicle stops on route 95 which led to marijuana possession distribution arrests.

Rhode Island medical marijuana law

Given recent changes in societal views on marijuana legalization and recreational marijuana use, many states including Rhode Island have enacted medical cannabis use laws, and recreational cannabis use laws, allowing the medical use and recreational use of cannabis for persons holding a medical marijuana card. This is the first step toward marijuana legalization.

This medical marijuana use law allows a RI medical marijuana cardholder to possess cannabis for recreational use and/or cultivate marijuana in order to treat a serious medical problem.

This law is a defense to any law enforcement allegation of criminal activity involving marijuana possession. However, this law is complicated and very restricted.

An experienced and skillful criminal defense attorney can provide expert legal advice to make this process much easier to navigate, including acquiring a medical marijuana card or becoming a primary caregiver.

You can read the full Rhode Island marijuana laws, but the main points are bulleted below.

Must be a qualifying medical marijuana cardholder. Here is the link to the RI Department of Health medical marijuana program to learn about getting a medical cannabis card or a primary caregiver.
A medical marijuana cardholder is allowed to lawfully possess 12 mature medical marijuana plants (flowering) and 12 immature medical marijuana plants (not yet flowering). These are for people who want to cultivate their own medical marijuana or are acting as a primary caregiver.
A medical marijuana cardholder is allowed to lawfully possess two and one-half ounces (2.5 oz.) of dried medical cannabis. This medical marijuana can be purchased at any one of 3 medical marijuana dispensaries in Rhode Island.
- Thomas C. Slater Compassion Center: https://slatercenter.com/
- Greenleaf Compassion Center: https://greenleafcare.org/
- Summit Medical Compassion Center: https://smccri.org/

As you can see, the Rhode Island medical marijuana law has a lot of moving parts and a medical cannabis patient could easily run afoul of all of these regulations and end up with a criminal case, fraud charge, or marijuana cultivation charge.

Having worked with this medical marijuana law since its beginning, I have the necessary knowledge and experience as a criminal defense attorney to provide your best marijuana defense.

How do I become a medical marijuana patient in Rhode Island?

It is actually a pretty easy process to become a medical marijuana patient. First, you must have a qualifying medical condition to become a medical cannabis patient.

This is the list of qualifying medical conditions accepted under Rhode Island’s medical marijuana law, with the majority citing chronic pain:

Cancer or the treatment of this condition
Glaucoma or the treatment of this condition
Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or the treatment of this condition
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) or the treatment of this condition
Hepatitis C or the treatment of this condition
A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following:
- Cachexia or wasting syndrome
- Severe, debilitating, chronic pain
- Severe nausea
- Seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy
- Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease
- Agitation related to Alzheimer’s Disease

If you have one of these qualifying conditions for the medical marijuana license, a doctor must then prescribe marijuana as a treatment for that condition.

If your doctor is reluctant to prescribe medical marijuana as a treatment, clients of my law firm have utilized outside companies such as Canna Care, who have doctors ready to prescribe medical marijuana to appropriate medical marijuana patients. Check out this link to Canna Care.

Why Hire Rhode Island Marijuana Lawyer S. Joshua Macktaz, Esq. To Defend Your Criminal Charges:

Former Rhode Island State Prosecutor
Judges, Lawyers and Police Officers refer family and friends
30 years of experience as a Rhode Island criminal lawyer
I have handled thousands of marijuana criminal cases, marijuana criminal charges, and defended against marijuana criminal convictions, such as marijuana cultivation or possession charges
300+ Five Star online reviews across all platforms
Aggressive, experienced and personal representation of all clients in criminal cases.
My law office has strong and long-standing relationships with all Rhode Island Judges, law enforcement, and prosecutors
I will be the criminal defense attorney reviewing and overseeing your case and I will be the criminal attorney standing next to you in District Court. Unlike so many other Rhode Island criminal defense firms, I do NOT send associates to do my job. I am in criminal court every day of the week, and I strongly believe each expungement client deserves this personal service.
I copy every marijuana client on every single document coming into the law office, or leaving the office, regarding their charges. I think it is critical for every client to be well-informed and fully engaged in the process. Defending your marijuana possession charge is truly a team effort.
All calls and emails will be returned by me, not an associate, within a few hours of receiving the email or call.
I provide a free and comprehensive initial consultation in all new criminal cases.
I am available 24/7/365