(a)  This chapter shall not permit:

(1)  Any person to undertake any task under the influence of marijuana when doing so would constitute negligence or professional malpractice;

(2)  The smoking of marijuana:

(i)  In a school bus or other form of public transportation;

(ii)  On any school grounds;

(iii)  In any correctional facility;

(iv)  In any public place;

(v)  In any licensed drug treatment facility in this state; or

(vi)  Where exposure to the marijuana smoke significantly adversely affects the health, safety, or welfare of children;

(3)  Any person to operate, navigate, or be in actual physical control of any motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under the influence of marijuana. However, a registered qualifying patient shall not be considered to be under the influence solely for having marijuana metabolites in his or her system;

(4)  The operation of a medical marijuana emporium, which is expressly prohibited.

Terms Used In Rhode Island General Laws 21-28.6-7

  • Arrest: Taking physical custody of a person by lawful authority.
  • person: may be construed to extend to and include co-partnerships and bodies corporate and politic. See Rhode Island General Laws 43-3-6

(b)  Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to require:

(1)  A government medical assistance program or private health insurer or workers’ compensation insurer, workers’ compensation group self-insurer, or employer self-insured for workers’ compensation under § 28-36-1 to reimburse a person for costs associated with the medical use of marijuana; or

(2)  An employer to accommodate the medical use of marijuana in any workplace.

(c)  Fraudulent representation to a law enforcement official of any fact or circumstance relating to the medical use of marijuana to avoid arrest or prosecution shall be punishable by a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) which shall be in addition to any other penalties that may apply for making a false statement for the nonmedical use of marijuana.

History of Section.
P.L. 2005, ch. 442, § 1; P.L. 2005, ch. 443, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 72, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 495, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 16, § 1; P.L. 2009, ch. 17, § 1; P.L. 2019, ch. 88, art. 15, § 5.