Is Salvia Divinorum Legal in Rhode Island After the 2026 Regulatory Updates?

No. Rhode Island classifies Salvia divinorum as a Schedule I controlled substance under the state’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act, effective since 2019. The Rhode Island Department of Health enforces this designation, prohibiting possession, sale, or distribution without a DEA license. Local law enforcement, including the Providence Police Department, actively monitors online and brick-and-mortar sales to curb violations.

Key Regulations for Salvia Divinorum in Rhode Island

  • Schedule I Status: The substance is deemed to have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, aligning with federal scheduling standards.
  • Penalties: Violations carry felony charges, with penalties up to 30 years imprisonment and $10,000 fines for trafficking, per R.I. Gen. Laws § 21-28-4.01.
  • Retail Restrictions: Stores selling psychoactive plants must obtain a controlled substance license from the Department of Health, which explicitly excludes Salvia divinorum.

Recent 2026 compliance shifts require retailers to verify customer IDs and maintain transaction logs for all Schedule I substances, including Salvia divinorum, to comply with Rhode Island’s enhanced monitoring protocols.