Rhode Island's 2022 cannabis law legalizes possession but bans public consumption. Providence enforces fines for smoking, vaping, or eating marijuana in parks, sidewalks, and any place tobacco smoking is barred.
Adults 21 and older may possess up to one ounce of cannabis under Rhode Island General Laws 21-28.11, but consumption is restricted to private property where the owner permits. Providence Police issue civil fines for smoking joints on Federal Hill, in Kennedy Plaza, on RIPTA platforms, or at Brown and RISD campus public spaces. Landlords and condo associations may add stricter rules. Driving while impaired remains a separate criminal offense. Home cultivation of up to four plants is allowed, but the smell cannot drift to neighbors.
Public smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis in posted areas can bring civil fines starting around $150 and confiscation of the product.
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See how Providence's public marijuana use rules stack up against other locations.
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