Possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults 21 and over is legal in Rhode Island and carries no penalty. Possession above one ounce but under personal-use thresholds may be charged as a civil infraction with fines. Possession over two ounces, possession by anyone under 21, possession with intent to distribute, and possession in restricted areas (schools, federal property) can result in criminal misdemeanor or felony charges with possible jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Penalties scale with the amount possessed and any aggravating factors like distribution evidence or location.
