• Selling, using or growing marijuana in Rhode Island can be a felony offense.Filling a cigarette with marijuana image by spiller from Fotolia.com
  
  Rhode Island's marijuana laws have been subject to several attempts at revision and have long been a controversial topic in the state. In 2010, legislative attempts to lessen the penalties for possessing marijuana failed, but attempts to slacken anti-drug laws are ongoing. Rhode Island law currently stipulates that possession of more than one kilogram of marijuana and the sale or cultivation of any amount of marijuana is a felony.
  
  

Using or possessing marijuana

• It is always a crime to possess marijuana in Rhode Island, unless one has received special permission to use it for medicinal purposes. Otherwise, possession of up to 1 kilogram (kg) is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison and/or a fine between $200 and $500. Possession of between 1 and 5 kg of marijuana is a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to a $500,000 fine, while possession of greater than 5 kg of marijuana can result in up to 20 years in jail and up to a $100,000 fine.
  
  

Selling or growing marijuana

• Selling or growing marijuana is always a felony in Rhode Island. Selling up to 1 kg of marijuana can result in up to a 30-year jail sentence and $100,000 fine. Selling between 1 and 5 kg can result in up to a 10-year sentence and $500,000 fine and selling more than that can result in up to 20 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
  
  

Special circumstances

• Rhode Island law enacts special penalties for the use or sale of marijuana in particular situations. Driving while using or under the influence of marijuana can result in up to a six-month suspension of a driver's license for a first offense and up to a year for a second offense. Selling or using marijuana within 300 yards of a school, public park or playground can double the typical penalty associated with the offense committed. Selling marijuana to a minor three or more years younger can result in up to a five-year jail sentence and a $10,000 fine. Finally, the state has enacted medicinal marijuana laws that make it legal for certain licensed facilities to administer marijuana to their patients.