Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Card Renewal (2026 Guide)

Renewing your Rhode Island medical marijuana card in 2026 is a fully online process managed through the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Cannabis Licensing Portal. Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to renew:

• Step 1 – Set up your Licensing Portal account: If you do not already have an account, create one at the Rhode Island Cannabis Licensing Portal before beginning your renewal application.
• Step 2 – Obtain a new practitioner certification: Your licensed healthcare provider will complete the Practitioner Written Certification Form – or the autism-specific version if applicable – and upload it directly to the Licensing Portal on your behalf. You no longer need to submit a physical copy.
• Step 3 – Gather your required documents: You will need proof of Rhode Island residency, a valid government-issued photo ID, and a passport-style photograph.
• Step 4 – Submit your renewal application: Complete the renewal application and upload all required documents through your Licensing Portal account.
• Step 5 – Await approval: Processing your renewed medical marijuana card can take up to 35 days, so plan accordingly.

Rhode Island medical marijuana cards must be renewed annually. There are no two-year or three-year options – all registered patients and caregivers are required to renew their registration every year to maintain continued eligibility in the program. Renewal must be completed before the card’s expiration date to avoid any gap in legal access to medical cannabis.

Patients should begin the renewal process at least 30 days before their card’s expiration date. This is especially important given that the Rhode Island Department of Health can take up to 35 days to process a renewal application.

Renewing your Rhode Island medical marijuana card is highly affordable. The Rhode Island Department of Health charges no state fee for medical marijuana card renewal for patients, caregivers, or authorized purchasers. However, if your card needs to be replaced due to loss, theft, or a change in personal information, a $10 replacement fee applies. The primary cost involved in renewal is your practitioner’s consultation fee for completing the required certification form, which varies by provider.

Yes. Renewing your Rhode Island medical marijuana card requires a new assessment from a licensed healthcare provider who will certify your continued eligibility. In Rhode Island, the following types of providers are authorized to complete the Practitioner Written Certification Form for renewal:

• Medical Doctors (MD)
• Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
• Physician Assistants (PA)

If your Rhode Island medical marijuana card expires, you immediately lose your legal protection to possess and use medical cannabis in the state. This means purchasing from licensed compassion centers becomes illegal and you lose the legal protections that come with being a registered patient. To restore your access, you must schedule a new practitioner assessment, obtain an updated certification, and submit a fresh renewal application through the Rhode Island Department of Health’s Cannabis Licensing Portal.