Medical marijuana patients in Rhode Island can have a caregiver or an authorized purchaser. A primary caregiver can assist with the patient's use of medical marijuana. An authorized purchaser can assist with purchasing and delivering the patient's medical marijuana. Both caregivers and authorized purchasers must be designated by the patient.
Caregiver Requirements:
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A primary caregiver must be at least 21 years of age and live in Rhode Island.
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As of January 1, 2017, anyone applying for a primary caregiver registration must be a resident of Rhode Island. Caregivers who received registrations on or before December 31, 2016, will keep their primary caregiver status but must show proof of Rhode Island residency to qualify for renewal when their caregiver registration expires.
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A primary caregiver can assist no more than five patients with their use of medical marijuana. Patients can have one caregiver.
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Caregivers can grow and buy for patients.
- Caregivers who will grow for their patients must register the grow location with the Rhode Island Department of Health.
- Plant tags must be purchased from the Department of Business Regulation and will be subject to the department's rules and regulations for tag use.
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There is no state fee for caregivers.
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Background check required. More information can be found here.
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Each location will advise on any fees required.
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The background check must include fingerprints.
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The law enforcement agency will send the background check results directly to RIDOH. RIDOH will send a copy to you.
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If you had a background check from the NCIC in the past two years, you can send a copy with your application. You do not need to get a new background check.
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Caregiver information is always provided by the patient first. Once the patient designates a caregiver and shares the caregiver’s email, the caregiver will get an email with directions on how to use the portal to get approved as a caregiver.
Authorized Purchaser Requirements:
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Each authorized purchaser can only assist one patient. Patients can have one authorized purchaser.
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An authorized purchaser must be 21 years old and pass a National Criminal Identification Check. More information can be found here.
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Each location will advise on any fees required.
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The background check must include fingerprints.
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The law enforcement agency will send the background check results directly to RIDOH. RIDOH will send a copy to you.
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If you had a background check from the NCIC in the past two years, you can send a copy with your application. You do not need to get a new background check.
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An authorized purchaser may live out of state.
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Authorized purchasers can only pick up medication for patients.
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There is no state fee for authorized purchasers.
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The patient will designate an authorized purchaser during the state application.
State Resources: