Rhode Island qualifying conditions: the full official list

The official list

• Alzheimer's disease — listed as “Agitation related to Alzheimer's disease”
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Cachexia & wasting syndrome — listed as “A chronic or debilitating disease or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome”
• Cancer — listed as “Cancer or its treatment”
• Chronic pain — listed as “A chronic or debilitating disease or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome”
• Crohn's & IBD — listed as “Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease”
• Epilepsy & seizures — listed as “Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy”
• Glaucoma — listed as “Glaucoma or its treatment”
• HIV/AIDS — listed as “Positive status for HIV or its treatment”
• Hepatitis C — listed as “Hepatitis C or its treatment”
• Multiple sclerosis — listed as “Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease”
• Nausea & appetite loss — listed as “Severe nausea”
• PTSD — listed as “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (patients 18 and older)”
• Severe muscle spasms & spasticity — listed as “Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease”

Always confirm against the official Rhode Island list, which can change.

What to do next

1. Confirm you are a Rhode Island resident with a qualifying debilitating medical condition.
2. See a practitioner (a Rhode Island MD, DO, PA or APRN, or an MD/DO licensed in Massachusetts or Connecticut) with whom you have a bona fide relationship.
3. Have the practitioner complete the Department of Health written certification naming your condition.
4. Submit the patient application to the Rhode Island Department of Health with the certification and a copy of your RI driver's license or state ID.
5. Name a caregiver or authorized purchaser if you want one, and indicate whether you plan to grow.
6. If you plan to grow, apply separately to the Cannabis Control Commission for a free home-grow certificate before planting.

Sources

• Medical Marijuana Program (216-RICR-20-10-3) - RI Department of State
• Caregiver Registration, Medical Home Grows and Personal Cultivation (560-RICR-10-15-1) - RI Department of State
• Medical Marijuana Licensing Information - RI Department of Health
• Medical Marijuana Information for Patients & Caregivers - RI Department of Health

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Laws change — confirm details with your state agency. State facts last checked October 7, 2026.