Rhode Island Drug Crime Statistics – Updated

Rhode Island is known for being the smallest state in the United States. However, this does not mean that the state does not have its share of drug-related crime. Knowing the Rhode Island drug crime statistics can help individuals and law enforcement accurately assess the state of the public and plan for changes ahead.

Defining Drug Crimes in Rhode Island

Rhode Island defines drug offenses through the Rhode Island Controlled Substances Act, which considers both the drug type and quantity, along with the specific criminal act.

The most frequent drug charges are simple possession, intent to deliver, manufacturing of drugs, trafficking activities, and prescription fraud. The possession of a small number of drugs can result in misdemeanor charges, while delivering or trafficking them can result in felony convictions and lengthy prison terms.

The classification system for controlled substances consists of five different schedules. Schedule I drugs, such as heroin, face the strictest legal penalties, while Schedule V has the most lenient penalties.

Rhode Island follows many national laws but has decriminalized possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, which now leads to a civil fine instead of criminal charges.

Drug Crime Trends

Like most of the rest of the United States, Rhode Island has undergone major changes in drug crime patterns throughout multiple decades. During the 1980s and 1990s, law enforcement focused heavily on crack cocaine and heroin, which prompted strict sentencing laws and increased prison populations.

Prescription opioid abuse reached critical levels by the early 2000s before fentanyl abuse emerged as a widespread problem. Rhode Island has recently moved from harsh criminalization policies to a public health perspective on substance use, with new measures, including marijuana decriminalization and wider treatment options for opioid addiction.

Federal Drug Crimes in Rhode Island

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, in 2023, Rhode Island recorded 106 total federal criminal cases. Drug-related offenses made up 33% of all federal prosecutions in the state. In these drug cases, the following drug types were found:

• 26.5% powder cocaine
• 26.5% crack cocaine
• 23.5% methamphetamines
• 14.7% fentanyl
• 5.9% marijuana
• 2.9% heroin

Marijuana-Related Arrests

State law amendments have led to a major decrease in marijuana-related arrests. The Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission reported that marijuana possession arrests fell from 2,092 in 2012 to 92 in 2023, which represents a decrease of over 95%.

Adult recreational marijuana use became legal in 2022 for individuals aged 21 and older, which played a significant role in this decrease. The start of retail cannabis sales in late 2022 helped to normalize marijuana use while eliminating its association with criminal law enforcement.

Opioid Issues

Rhode Island continues to face severe challenges from the opioid crisis, along with other parts of New England. The state saw a decrease in accidental overdose deaths to 404 in 2023, which represents a 7.3% reduction from the 436 deaths reported in 2022. The decrease marks the first time in four years that overdose prevention plans appear to be working.

However, statistics still point to a prevalent opioid issue, with 47% of overdose deaths involving fentanyl, according to the Justice Reinvestment Initiative.

Substance Use Disorder

In addition to the crimes being committed, there are also a considerable number of individuals aged 12 and older who have substance abuse disorders. According to the 2022-2023 National Survey on Drug and Health, about 207,000 residents of Rhode Island have a substance use disorder. Twenty-two thousand reportedly have an opioid use disorder. One hundred eleven thousand reportedly have a drug use disorder.

However, only 49,000 received substance use treatment, while 231,000 were classified as needing treatment for substance use.

State Efforts

In February 2024, authorities sentenced a Pawtucket resident to five years of federal imprisonment because he trafficked more than 1 kilogram of fentanyl. Rhode Island law enforcement now prioritizes major trafficking operations over prosecuting individual drug users.

The Rhode Island High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program maintains collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement to combat organized drug operations.

In addition, medication-assisted treatment programs are available in the Rhode Island Department of Corrections for inmates who have an opioid use disorder. There are also community recovery centers that provide round-the-clock access to medication and therapy to those who need it.

FAQs

Q: What Drugs Are Illegal in Rhode Island?

A: The state of Rhode Island bans the possession and production, as well as distribution of, numerous controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, and illegal prescription medications such as oxycodone.

Rhode Island uses a federal-style scheduling system where Schedule I–V drugs without valid prescriptions become illegal. The state has decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana while maintaining strict regulation over other substances.

Q: Is Rhode Island Recreationally Legal?

A: Yes, Rhode Island legalized recreational marijuana in 2022. Adults who are at least 21 years old have the legal right to hold and buy no more than one ounce of cannabis while being permitted to grow a restricted quantity of plants within their residence. The state now supports functioning retail cannabis stores that have obtained licenses. Public consumption of marijuana remains illegal, and driving while intoxicated continues to be a prosecutable crime.

Q: Is Schedule 1 Or 2 Worse?

A: Legally speaking, Schedule I drugs are worse than the others. This is because drugs that fall under this category have a high chance of abuse and no accepted medical use. Although Schedule II drugs, such as cocaine and oxycodone, carry a high abuse potential, they remain under medical recognition with strict regulations, which results in less severe penalties than Schedule I.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Rhode Island?

A: Rhode Island’s drug possession penalties differ according to both the substance type and the specific case details. Legal consequences for possessing small quantities of drugs include fines and probation or compulsory treatment, whereas possession of more serious drugs carries felony charges and potential imprisonment. Legal penalties become more severe for individuals who repeatedly commit drug-related offenses or hold drugs for distribution purposes.

Contact Ellison Law LLC Today

If you or someone you know has been charged with a drug crime in Rhode Island, Ellison Law LLC can help in the legal process. Contact us today, and we can begin fighting for your rights.