Illegal
South Carolina
None — all cannabis is illegal; limited CBD oil (≤0.9% THC) allowed only for intractable epilepsy
Age 21+View Guide →
Rhode Island
RecreationalLegal Status
Recreational
Possession Limit
1 oz in public; up to 10 oz at home
Minimum Age
21+
Dispensaries
Open
Overview
Rhode Island legalized adult-use cannabis through the Cannabis Act in 2022, and retail sales began that December. Adults 21+ may possess up to one ounce in public and up to ten ounces at home, and may grow a limited number of plants. The state set up the Cannabis Control Commission to take over regulation of the adult-use and medical markets from the Department of Business Regulation. Some municipalities have opted out of retail sales.
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
What's Legal
Public consumption is prohibited; licensed cannabis establishments may permit on-site consumption.
Possession Limits
1 oz in public; up to 10 oz at home
Home Growing
Permitted for adults 21+ within state plant limits (mature and immature caps apply)
Penalties
Adult-use cannabis is legal in Rhode Island. Consuming in prohibited public spaces or exceeding possession limits may still result in a civil fine.
Driving and Cannabis
Driving while impaired by cannabis is illegal in Rhode Island, as it is in every state, whether or not the cannabis was obtained legally. Officers may rely on field sobriety tests, drug recognition evaluations, and blood tests, and some states set specific THC limits or zero-tolerance rules. Consuming cannabis in a vehicle and carrying open or unsealed packages where the driver can reach them are commonly prohibited. If you have used cannabis, the safest choice is not to drive.
Crossing State Lines and Federal Law
Taking marijuana across state lines is illegal under federal law, even between two states where cannabis is legal, and it may also violate the law of the state you enter. Marijuana is also prohibited on federal land, in national parks, and at airports under TSA jurisdiction. In 2026 the federal government moved FDA-approved products and state-licensed medical marijuana to Schedule III, but adult-use marijuana remains a Schedule I substance, and rescheduling does not legalize interstate transport. Separate federal changes to the legal definition of hemp take effect in late 2026 and will restrict many intoxicating hemp-derived THC products.
Rhode Island Cannabis FAQ
Is cannabis legal in Rhode Island?
Yes. Adult-use (recreational) cannabis is legal in Rhode Island for adults 21 and older. Possession limit: 1 oz in public; up to 10 oz at home.
Can you grow cannabis at home in Rhode Island?
Permitted for adults 21+ within state plant limits (mature and immature caps apply).
How old do you have to be to buy cannabis in Rhode Island?
The minimum age for adult-use purchases in Rhode Island is 21.
Are dispensaries open in Rhode Island?
Yes. Licensed dispensaries are operating in Rhode Island.
Can you use cannabis in public in Rhode Island?
Public consumption is prohibited; licensed cannabis establishments may permit on-site consumption.
Compare Rhode Island with every other state in our cannabis laws comparison table.
Official Resource
Cannabis laws change often, and limits, penalties, and program rules can differ from what is summarized here. This page is general information, not legal advice. Before you rely on any detail, check the official state source below or consult a licensed attorney in Rhode Island.
Visit Official Site →