Rhode Islanders Can Now Register For A Medical Marijuana Card Online

RHODE ISLAND — The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has launched an online registration system for the state's medical marijuana patients and their authorized purchases, state health officials said Thursday.

RIDOH officials said the web-based portal would shorten processing times and eliminate the need to fill out and mail paper documents. The new system, the Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Portal, lets existing cardholders renew registrations, update personal information, and make necessary changes to their existing registration cards. New patients applying for a medical marijuana registration card will now apply through the portal as well.

The RIDOH Cannabis Licensing Portal User Guide has step-by-step directions on how to use the online portal.

RIDOH’s medical marijuana program accepts, reviews, and approves patients and authorized purchaser applications and renewals. The portal also allows caregivers selected by their patient and approved by the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation (DBR) to obtain their own marijuana registration card. Caregivers should visit the Rhode Island DBR Office of Cannabis Regulation for further information regarding their registration.

State officials said RIDOH would stop mailing registration reminders and renewal forms in the coming months. Patients must create an account in the portal to be sure they get important messages and updates from RIDOH, including renewal reminders 60 days before the expiration date.

Participants whose registrations expire in the next 14 days should call RIDOH’s medical marijuana program at 401-222-3752. Other questions should be emailed to doh.mmp@health.ri.gov.

RIDOH approves or denies new applications and renewals within 35 days of receiving applications and all required documents.