Discover cannabis culture in Portsmouth, RI

A town found in Newport County, the city of Portsmouth was founded back in 1638 and is the second oldest city in the state of Rhode Island. Settled by Anne Hutchinson and a group of religious dissenters from the Boston Colony, the city of Portsmouth is home to many historic sites, antique shops and more. The city’s location on the Rhode Island coastline means that that the town encompasses a few small islands, including Prudence Island, Patience Island, Hope Island and Hog Island. While visiting, you can’t miss the Green Animals Topiary Gardens -- the oldest topiary in the United States featuring more than 80 sculpted trees and 35 sculpted flowerbeds over a 7-acre estate. Take a sunset tour with Rail Explorers: Rhode Island Division, exploring the beauty of the port via railbike. Want to learn more about Portsmouth’s deep historical roots? Take one trip to the Portsmouth Historical Society or spend your day exploring the Prudence Island Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in the state. Finally, spend some time winding down and enjoying a wine tasting at Greenvale Vineyards for wine, music and so much more.  

Unfortunately throughout the state of Rhode Island, only medical cannabis was legalized in 2006. While we’re hoping the state begins taking steps to legalize recreational cannabis in 2021, here’s what we know about marijuana laws currently in Portsmouth: More recently, in 2013, the state decriminalized possession for those carrying less than one ounce of marijuana to a ticket of $150. Of course, medical marijuana patients are a bit of a different story since that is legal in Rhode Island. To qualify for a Rhode Island MMJ Card, they must be a resident of the state qualified by a physician with one of the following conditions: Alzheimer’s Disease, Autism, Cachexia, Cancer, Chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, Glaucoma, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, Nausea, Persistent muscle spasms, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Seizures and other conditions, subject to approval. These patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces of useable marijuana products, 12 flowering plants and 12 seedlings cultivated in an indoor, locked facility. 

Portsmouth Resources:

• https://norml.org/laws/rhode-island-penalties-2/ 
• https://health.ri.gov/healthcare/medicalmarijuana/ 
• http://webserver.rilin.state.ri.us/Statutes/TITLE21/21-28.6/INDEX.HTM