Medical Marijuana Laws State by State:
Alaska | Arizona | California | Colorado | District of Columbia | Delaware | Hawaii | Maine | Michigan
Montana | Nevada | New Jersey | New Mexico | Oregon | Rhode Island | Vermont | Washington
ALASKA
Background:
Ballot Measure #8 was passed by 58% of voters on November 3, 1998. The law has been in effect since March 4, 1999 and removes State-level criminal penalties on the use, possession, and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they “might benefit from the medical use of marijuana.”
Senate Bill 94 amended the law to require all patients seeking an affirmative defense to enroll in the state patient registry and carry a valid identification card. Alaska state law does not allow the sale of Medical Marijuana and restricts the transfer between patients and their caregivers. This restriction has prevented the opening of dispensaries in the state.
Click here to read the full law.
FAQS:
Q: How do I become a Patient?
A: Patients must meet with a licensed physician and be diagnosed with one of the following: cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other disorders characterized by muscle spasticity and nausea. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services. You must receive a valid doctor's recommendation from a licensed physician. You must register with the State Patient Registry and possess a valid identification card (http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats/Pages/marijuana.aspx).
Q: How do I prove that I am a patient?
A: You must present a valid doctor’s recommendation and the Alaska State Marijuana Registry patient identification card.
Q: What are the guidelines for cultivation?
A: Qualified patients and their caregivers may cultivate no more than six (6) marijuana plants, of which no more than three (3) may be mature.
Q: What are the guidelines for possession?
A: Qualified patients may possess no more than one (1) ounce of usable marijuana.
Recent Developments in the Law:
In November 2014, Alaskans passed Ballot Measure 2, an initiative to legalize recreational Marijuana. The initiative seeks to create a regulated commercial sales system, similar to those in Colorado and Washington. “Passage of the marijuana initiative would permit adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana for private personal use and to grow as many as six cannabis plants for their own consumption.” The measure received bipartisan support, though it was originally scheduled for an August vote.
Resources:
Patient Application
Legalization Article 1
ARIZONA
Summary of the Law:
Ballot Proposition 203 was passed by 50.13% of voters on November 2, 2010. The law allows registered qualifying patients to obtain marijuana from a registered nonprofit dispensary, and to possess and use medical marijuana to treat the condition.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Arizona must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures (including epilepsy), severe or persistent muscle spasms (including multiple sclerosis).
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You must receive a Doctor Recommendation from a licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.azdhs.gov/prop203/index.htm).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Arizona State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Arizona?
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Qualified Patients or their caregivers in the State of Arizona may cultivate if the patient lives more than 25 miles from the nearest dispensary, the patient or caregiver may cultivate up to twelve (12) marijuana plants in an enclosed, locked facility.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Arizona?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Arizona may obtain no more than two and a half (2.5) ounces of marijuana in a fourteen (14) day period.
CALIFORNIA
Summary of the Law:
Ballot Proposition 215 was passed by 56% of voters on November 5, 1996. The Law removes State-level criminal penalties on the use, possession, and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a “written or oral recommendation” from their physician that he or she “would benefit from medical marijuana.” Patients diagnosed with any debilitating illness where the medical use of marijuana has been “deemed appropriate and has been recommended by a physician” are afforded legal protection under this act.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in California must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: AIDS, anorexia, arthritis, cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, glaucoma, migraine, persistent muscle spasms – including spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, seizures – including seizures associated with epilepsy, severe nausea; Other chronic or persistent medical symptoms or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief. (See Health and Safety Code § 11362.5 A)
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You must receive a Doctor’s Recommendation from a licensed physician.
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You may also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/programs/mmp/Pages/Medical%20Marijuana%20Program.aspx).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a current valid Doctor’s Recommendation and you may also present a valid California State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card, (http://www.cdph.ca.gov/services/Pages/MMPCounties.aspx) issued by each county.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of California?
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Qualified Patients or their caregivers in the State of California may cultivate an amount that is reasonably necessary to provide relief for their medical condition. It is up to patient’s to justify that the amount cultivated is reasonably necessary (People v. Kelly). Patients who possess a valid State Identification card are immune from arrest if they are growing no more than six (6) mature marijuana plants or twelve (12) immature marijuana plants.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of California?
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Qualified Patients in the State of California may possess an amount that is reasonably necessary to provide relief for their medical condition. It is up to the patient to justify that the amount possessed is reasonably necessary to provide relief for their medical condition (People v. Kelly). Patients who possess a valid State Identification card are immune from arrest if they possess no more than eight (8) ounces of marijuana.
COLORADO
Summary of the Recreational Marijuana Law:
On November 6, 2012 Colorado citizens passed Amendment 64 to the Colorado constitution making it legal under state law for adults 21 years of age and older to use, possess, and cultivate limited amounts of marijuana. Amendment 64 establishes a system in which marijuana is regulated and taxed similarly to alcohol and allows for the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp. The amendment will set up a system of marijuana distribution comprised of cultivators, product manufacturers, and retail establishments.
FAQs:
How much marijuana does the new law allow adults to possess under state law?
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Amendment 64 allows adults 21 and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana.
Does it allow adults to grow marijuana?
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Yes. For an adult 21 and older, Amendment 64 removes all state legal penalties for the home growing of up to six marijuana plants (only three of which may be mature) in an enclosed, locked space. Adults 21 and older are also allowed to give away their marijuana (including marijuana they grew) to other adults who are 21 and older. The law does not allow adults to receive any money in exchange for the marijuana grown at home.
Does it allow adults to smoke marijuana in public?
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No. While the law removes penalties for private adult consumption, it does not allow for the public consumption of marijuana.
When will retail stores begin selling marijuana?
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Retailers should be approved for operation by the end of 2013. The Department of Revenue has until July 1, 2013 to adopt regulations necessary to implement the regulated marijuana market. It must begin accepting and processing applications for marijuana establishments by October 1, 2013. The department then has 90 days after receiving an application to act on it. If by October 1, 2013, the Department of Revenue fails to adopt regulations, an application can be submitted directly to the locality where the marijuana establishment wishes to do business that can then issue their own annual license to the applicant. Localities have until October 1, 2013 to enact an ordinance specifying what local entity is responsible for processing marijuana establishment applications.
Does this new law affect Colorado’s medical marijuana program?
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No. The initiative does not change existing medical marijuana laws for patients, caregivers, and medical marijuana businesses. Medical marijuana will be exempt from the excise tax placed on non-medical marijuana.
Summary of the Medical Marijuana Law:
Ballot Amendment 20 was passed by 54% of voters on November 7, 2000. The law went into effect June 1, 2001, and removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and advising that they “might benefit from the medical use of marijuana.” (Patients must possess this documentation prior to an arrest.)
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Colorado must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: Cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS positive, cachexia; severe pain; severe nausea; seizures – including those that are characteristic of epilepsy; or persistent muscle spasms – including those that are characteristic of multiple sclerosis. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Colorado Board of Health.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You may also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hs/medicalmarijuana/ ).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and/or the Colorado State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Colorado?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Colorado may cultivate no more than six (6) marijuana plants, of which no more than three (3) may be mature.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Colorado?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Colorado may possess no more than two (2) ounces of usable marijuana.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Summary of the Law:
Amendment Act B18-622 was approved 13-0 by the Council of the District of Columbia on May 4, 2010. The law has been in effect since May 21, 2010 and establishes a medical marijuana program to “regulate the manufacture, cultivation, distribution, dispensing, purchase, delivery, sale, possession, and administration of medical marijuana and the manufacture, possession, purchase, sale, and use of paraphernalia.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in The District of Columbia must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: HIV, AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, cancer, other conditions that are chronic, long-lasting, debilitating, or that interfere with the basic functions of life, serious medical conditions for which the use of medical marijuana is beneficial, patients undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of The District of Columbia?
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Qualified Patients in The District of Columbia may not cultivate Marijuana for personal use.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of The District of Columbia?
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Qualified Patients in the District of Columbia may possess no more than two (2) ounces of usable marijuana.
DELAWARE
Summary of the Law:
Senate Bill 17 was passed 27-14 by the House and 17-4 by the Senate. The Bill is effective as of July 1, 2011. Under this law, a patient is only protected from arrest if his or her physician certifies, in writing, that the patient has a specified debilitating medical condition and that the patient would receive therapeutic benefit from medical marijuana. The patient must send a copy of the written certification to the state Department of Health and Social Services, and the Department will issue an ID card after verifying the information. As long as the patient is in compliance with the law, there will be no arrest. The law does not allow patients or caregivers to grow marijuana at home, but it does allow for the state-regulated, non-profit distribution of medical marijuana by compassion centers.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Delaware must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: cancer, HIV/AIDS, decompensated cirrhosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder; or a medical condition that produces wasting syndrome, severe debilitating pain that has not responded to other treatments for more than three months or for which other treatments produced serious side effects, severe nausea, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card.
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Delaware State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Delaware?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Delaware may not cultivate on their own behalf. Patients must receive their medicine from an authorized compassion center.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Delaware?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Delaware may possess up to six ounces of marijuana with a doctor’s written recommendation. A registered compassion center may not dispense more than 3 ounces of marijuana to a registered qualifying patient in any fourteen-day period, and a patient may register with only one compassion center.
HAWAII
Summary of the Law:
Senate Bill 862 was passed 32-18 by the House and 13-12 by the Senate. The law has been in effect since December 28, 2000 and removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a signed statement from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and that the “potential benefits of medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks.” The law establishes a mandatory, confidential state-run patient registry that issues identification cards to qualifying patients.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Hawaii must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV/AIDS; A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures – including those characteristic of epilepsy, or severe and persistent muscle spasms – including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Hawaii Department of Health.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://hawaii.gov/psd/law-enforcement/narcotics-enforcement ).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Hawaii State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Hawaii?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Hawaii may cultivate no more than six (7) marijuana plants, of which no more than three (3) may be mature.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Hawaii?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Hawaii may possess no more than three (3) ounces of usable marijuana per mature plant.
MAINE
Summary of the Law:
Ballot Question 2 was passed by 61% of voters on November 2, 1999. The law has been in effect since March 4, 1999, and removes State-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they “might benefit from the medical use of marijuana.”
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Maine must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures; glaucoma; multiple sclerosis and other disorders characterized by muscle spasticity; and nausea or vomiting as a result of AIDS or cancer chemotherapy.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You may also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/dlrs/mmm/index.shtml).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and may also join the Maine State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Maine?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Maine may cultivate no more than six (6) marijuana plants, of which no more than three (3) may be mature.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Maine?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Maine may possess no more than two and one half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana.
MICHIGAN
Summary of the Law:
Ballot Measure #8 was passed by 63% of voters on November 3, 1998. The law has been in effect since March 4, 1999, and removes State-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they “might benefit from the medical use of marijuana.”
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Michigan must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, agitation of Alzheimer’s disease, nail patella, cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe and chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, epilepsy, muscle spasms, and multiple sclerosis.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,1607,7-154-27417_51869—,00.html)
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Michigan State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Michigan?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Michigan may cultivate no more than twelve (12) marijuana plants. The plants must be kept in a enclosed, locked facility and can only be cultivated if the patient has not yet
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Michigan?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Michigan may possess no more than two and one half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana.
MONTANA
Summary of the Law:
Initiative 148 was passed by 62% of voters on November 2, 2004. The law has been in effect since November 2, 2004 and removes State-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they “might benefit from the medical use of marijuana.”
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Montana must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: Cancer, glaucoma, or positive status for HIV/AIDS, or the treatment of these conditions; a chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, including seizures caused by epilepsy, or severe or persistent muscle spasms, including spasms caused by multiple sclerosis or Chrohn’s disease; or any other medical condition or treatment for a medical condition adopted by the department by rule.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.dphhs.mt.gov/medicalmarijuana/)
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Montana State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Montana?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Montana may cultivate no more than six (6) marijuana plants.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Montana?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Montana may possess no more than one (1) ounce of usable marijuana.
NEVADA
Summary of the Law:
Ballot Measure #9 was passed by 65% of voters on November 7, 2000. The law has been in effect since October 1, 2001 and removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who have “written documentation” from their physician that marijuana may alleviate his or her condition.
On June 12, 2013 S.B. 374 was signed into law. This new law fulfills the state constitution’s mandate that the legislature provide for appropriate methods of supply for medical marijuana. The new law will allow the creation of 66 licensed and regulated dispensaries. Medical Marijuana sales at the wholesale level will be charged a 2% excise tax and retail sales will also be charged a 2% excise tax. 75% of the revenue from the taxes will be used for state education funds. 25% will be used in regulatory oversight.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Nevada must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: cachexia, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy and other disorders characterized by seizures, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other disorders characterized by muscle spasticity, and nausea. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://health.nv.gov/MedicalMarijuana.htm).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Nevada State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Nevada?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Nevada may cultivate until March 31, 2016.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Nevada?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Nevada may possess no more than two and one half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana.
NEW JERSEY
Summary of the Law:
Senate Bill 119 was passed 48-14 by the House and 25-13 by the Senate. The law has been in effect since January 18, 2010 and Protects “patients who use marijuana to alleviate suffering from debilitating medical conditions, as well as their physicians, primary caregivers, and those who are authorized to produce marijuana for medical purposes” from “arrest, prosecution, property forfeiture, and criminal and other penalties.” Also provides for the creation of alternative treatment centers, “at least two each in the northern, central, and southern regions of the state. The first two centers issued a permit in each region shall be nonprofit entities, and centers subsequently issued permits may be nonprofit or for-profit entities.”
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in New Jersey must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: Seizure disorder, including epilepsy, intractable skeletal muscular spasticity, glaucoma; severe or chronic pain, severe nausea or vomiting, cachexia, or wasting syndrome resulting from HIV/AIDS or cancer; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), multiple sclerosis, terminal cancer, muscular dystrophy, or inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease; terminal illness, if the physician has determined a prognosis of less than 12 months of life or any other medical condition or its treatment that is approved by the Department of Health and Senior Services.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.state.nj.us/health/med_marijuana.shtml)
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the New Jersey State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of New Jersey?
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Qualified Patients in the State of New Jersey may not cultivate for personal use.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of New Jersey?
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Physicians determine how much marijuana a patient needs and give written instructions to be presented to an alternative treatment center. The maximum amount for a 30-day period is two (2) ounces.
NEW MEXICO
Summary of the Law:
Senate Bill 523 was passed by 36-31-14 by the House and 32-3 by the Senate. The law has been in effect since July 1, 2007 and removes state-level criminal penalties on the use and possession of marijuana by patients “in a regulated system for alleviating symptoms caused by debilitating medical conditions and their medical treatments.” The New Mexico Department of Health designated to administer the program and register patients, caregivers, and providers.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in New Mexico must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: severe chronic pain, painful peripheral neuropathy, intractable nausea/vomiting, severe anorexia/cachexia, hepatitis C infection, Crohn’s disease, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with intractable spasticity, epilepsy, HIV/AIDS, and hospice patients.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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As of June 2, 1999, you must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.health.state.nm.us/idb/medical_cannabis.shtml)
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the New Mexico State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of New Mexico?
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Qualified Patients in the State of New Mexico may cultivate no more than six (16) marijuana plants, of which no more than four (4) may be mature.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of New Mexico?
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Qualified Patients in the State of New Mexico may possess no more than six (6) ounces of usable marijuana.
OREGON
Summary of the Law:
Ballot Measure 67 was passed by 55% of voters on November 3, 1998. The law has been in effect since December 3, 1998, and removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess a signed recommendation from their physician stating that marijuana “may mitigate” his or her debilitating symptoms.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Oregon must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV/AIDS, or treatment for these conditions; A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures, including seizures caused by epilepsy, or persistent muscle spasms, including spasms caused by multiple sclerosis. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Health Division of the Oregon Department of Human Resources.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/MedicalMarijuanaProgram/Pages/index.aspx).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Oregon State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Oregon?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Oregon may cultivate no more than six (6) marijuana plants.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Oregon?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Oregon may possess no more than twenty-four (24) ounces of usable marijuana.
RHODE ISLAND
Summary of the Law:
Senate Bill 0710 was passed by the House and Senate and is effective January 3, 2006. The law removes State-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess written documentation from their physician advising that they “might benefit from the medical use of marijuana.”
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Rhode Island must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, or the treatment of these conditions; A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating, chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to, those characteristic of epilepsy; or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including but not limited to, those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or agitation of Alzheimer’s Disease; or any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the state Department of Health.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.health.ri.gov/healthcare/medicalmarijuana/index.php).
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present Doctor’s Recommendation and the Rhode Island State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Rhode Island?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Rhode Island may cultivate no more than twelve (12) marijuana plants.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Rhode Island?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Rhode Island may possess no more than two and one half (2.5) ounces of usable marijuana.
VERMONT
Summary of the Law:
Senate Bill 76 was approved 22-7 and House Bill 654 was approved 82-59. The law has been in effect since July 1, 2004, and creates an exemption in state law from criminal penalties for the use of marijuana to alleviate the symptoms or effects of a debilitating medical condition as long as it is done in compliance with 18 V.S.A. Chapter 86. The law also creates a registry of individuals who are eligible to receive this exemption. A person who is eligible to receive this exemption may choose a person who is at least 21 years old to undertake the responsibility for managing their well being with respect to the use of marijuana for symptom relief.
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Vermont must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following: Cancer, AIDS, positive status for HIV, multiple sclerosis, or the treatment of these conditions if the disease or the treatment results in severe, persistent, and intractable symptoms; or a disease, medical condition, or its treatment that is chronic, debilitating and produces severe, persistent, and one or more of the following intractable symptoms: cachexia or wasting syndrome, severe pain or nausea or seizures.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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You must also sign up with State Patient Registry and possess a valid Identification Card (http://www.dps.state.vt.us/cjs/marijuana.htm)
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation and the Vermont State Marijuana Registry Patients ID Card.
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Vermont?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Vermont may cultivate no more than nine (9) marijuana plants, of which no more than two (2) may be mature.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Vermont?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Vermont may possess no more than two (2) ounces of usable marijuana.
WASHINGTON
Summary of the Recreational Marijuana Law:
Ballot Initiative I-502 was passed by voters on November 6, 2012. The law went into effect on December 6, 2012 and legalizes the possession of up to an ounce of marijuana for adults 21 and older in Washington. In addition, the new law instructs the Washington State Liquor Control Board to adopt rules to regulate a marijuana distribution system comprised of cultivators, infused product manufacturers, and retailers
The only marijuana that can be legally sold to non Medical Marijuana patients must be grown by specially licensed Washington farmers and sold in standalone, marijuana-only stores operated by private Washington businesses licensed and regulated by the state. I-502 also decriminalizes industrial hemp under Washington law.
FAQs:
How much marijuana does the new law allow adults to possess?
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The new law allows adults age 21 and older to possess one ounce of usable marijuana, 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product sold in solid form, or 72-ounces of marijuana-infused product sold in liquid form.
Does it allow adults to grow marijuana?
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No. The new law in Washington does not allow home growing of marijuana unless one is a medical marijuana patient.
Does it allow adults to smoke marijuana in public?
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No. The law prohibits the public use and display of marijuana.
When will retail stores begin selling marijuana?
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By December 1, 2013, the Washington State Liquor Control Board must adopt rules necessary to implement the marijuana cultivation, processing, producing, and retail provisions of I-502. Once these rules are enacted, there will be a clearer idea of when marijuana retailers will begin operating.
Does this new law affect Washington’s medical marijuana program?
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No. I-502 will not make any changes to the medical marijuana law. As mentioned above, medical marijuana patients will still be able to grow their own medicine. In addition, patients over 21 (along with all other adults) will receive greater legal protections for possessing up to an ounce and will be able to buy marijuana from regulated retailers.
Summary of the Medical Marijuana Law:
Ballot Initiative I-692 was passed by 59% of voters on November 3, 1998. The law has been in effect since November 3, 1998, and removes state-level criminal penalties on the use, possession and cultivation of marijuana by patients who possess “valid documentation” from their physician affirming that he or she suffers from a debilitating condition and that the “potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks.”
FAQs:
How do I become a Patient?
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Patients in Washington must meet with a licensed physician and have been diagnosed with one of the following Cachexia; cancer; HIV or AIDS; epilepsy; glaucoma; intractable pain (defined as pain unrelieved by standard treatment or medications); and multiple sclerosis. Crohn’s disease, Hepatitis C with debilitating nausea or intractable pain, diseases, including anorexia, which result in nausea, vomiting, wasting, appetite loss, cramping, seizures, muscle spasms, or spasticity, when those conditions are unrelieved by standard treatments or medications. Other conditions are subject to approval by the Washington Board of Health.
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You must receive a valid Doctor Recommendation from licensed physician.
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There is no state run registry for Washington State. (http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/medical-marijuana/default.htm)
How do I prove that I am a Patient?
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You must present a valid Doctor’s Recommendation
What are the guidelines for Cultivation in the State of Washington?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Washington may cultivate no more than fifteen (15) marijuana plants.
What are the guidelines for possession in the State of Washington?
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Qualified Patients in the State of Washington may possess no more than twenty-four (24) ounces of usable marijuana.
