Traveling out-of-state soon and need relief? If you rely on medical marijuana for conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD, crossing state lines can raise a lot of questions. Not all states recognize medical marijuana cards issued outside of their state, and rules vary widely.
So comes the burning question, do medical marijuana cards work in other states? The good news is that some states welcome out-of-state cardholders, if you know where to go. Here’s a quick overview of which states can honor your medical marijuana card when you’re on the road.
What is Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?
Medical marijuana reciprocity states tell patients that if they hold a medical card from another state, they can possess and purchase MMJ when traveling to the state that offers reciprocity.
However, MMJ reciprocity laws vary from state to state. For example, just because a state accepts out-of-state medical marijuana cards doesn’t mean you can go into a dispensary and buy medical cannabis.
Some places allow their dispensaries to accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards from all other states, while others just allow out-of-state patients to possess medical marijuana.
Others with MMJ reciprocity will allow patients to purchase cannabis with an out-of-state medical marijuana card as long as the patient is just a temporary visitor (or has only lived in the state for a certain time period.)
Other states will only recognize MMJ reciprocity if your medical ailment is on their list of qualifying MMJ conditions.
Affordable weed? It’s all in the card.
What States Offer Medical Marijuana Reciprocity?
Currently, the following states offer medical cannabis reciprocity with their own distinct stipulations:
State/Territory | Reciprocity Details | Recreational Cannabis |
Arizona | Limited reciprocity for “visiting qualifying patients” licensed in their home state; can purchase up to 2.5 oz every two weeks. | Yes, up to 2.5 oz. |
Arkansas | Patients can purchase MMJ with proof of their card and a $50 fee; can buy up to 2.5 oz every two weeks. | No |
Delaware | Recognizes out-of-state MMJ cards from states with similar requirements; must present state-issued ID. | No |
Louisiana | Allows out-of-state MMJ patients to purchase cannabis with a qualifying condition; limited to tinctures, sprays, capsules, topicals, and inhalers. | No |
Maine | Patients from certain states can purchase after registering with Maine’s MMJ program. | Yes, up to 2.5 oz flower and 5 g concentrates. |
Michigan | Dispensaries may accept out-of-state cards if their home state allows reciprocity; can buy up to 2.5 oz/day, max 10 oz/month. | Yes, up to 2.5 oz flower and 15 g concentrates. |
Montana | Recognizes out-of-state MMJ cards; can purchase up to 1 oz per transaction. | Yes, up to 1 oz. |
Nevada | Full reciprocity with all states; MMJ patients can possess up to 2.5 oz every two weeks. | Yes, up to 1 oz edibles/flower, 3.5 g concentrates. |
New Jersey | Accepts all out-of-state MMJ cards; allows possession of up to 6 oz flower, 17 g concentrates. | Yes, up to 1 oz. |
New Mexico | Recognizes all out-of-state MMJ cards; relaxed laws, can possess up to 2 oz flower, 16 g concentrates. | Yes, same limits as MMJ. |
Oklahoma | Requires a temporary license ($100, valid for 30 days) to use out-of-state cards; can possess up to 3 oz flower, 1 oz concentrates, 72 oz edibles. | No |
Puerto Rico | Accepts out-of-state MMJ cards for purchase, but only non-smoking forms allowed. | No |
Rhode Island | Requires two IDs and MMJ card to purchase; can possess up to 2.5 oz. | No |
Utah | Accepts out-of-state MMJ cards if patient meets state’s qualifying conditions; up to a 30-day supply. | No |
Washington D.C. | Honors reciprocity from states with equivalent programs; can possess up to 2 oz flower. | Yes, but only medical dispensaries available. |
States That Offer Some Form of Reciprocity to Visitors
Some states do not have full medical marijuana reciprocity but offer some type of MMJ program to visitors or protection for patients with out-of-state medical cards.
- Hawaii: Hawaii also allows patients from other states to apply for their medical marijuana program. Those with serious or terminal conditions can get their applications faster.
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts does not accept medical cards from other states but does allow out-of-state MMJ cardholders to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis.
- Mississippi: Mississippi has not fully established reciprocity yet, but out-of-state patients may apply for a temporary 15-day medical cannabis card, which can be renewed for another 15 days.
- New Hampshire: Patients in other states can’t purchase from NH dispensaries. But as long as you have a qualifying condition that is on New Hampshire’s list of conditions, patients from out of state are legally allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis.
- West Virginia: West Virginia offers limited reciprocity for terminally ill cancer patients under their Medical Cannabis Act. The state may establish agreements with other states that have equivalent medical cannabis regulations.
Can You Take Medical Marijuana Out of State?
No, patients cannot take medical marijuana across state lines since cannabis is still illegal at the federal level.
Even if you’re driving through two medical cannabis reciprocity areas, it’s a federal crime to transport controlled substances across state lines.
You could be charged with drug trafficking, which carries a minimum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the first offense.
If you try to pass through security or board a flight with medical marijuana, you could be arrested. Since marijuana is still federally illegal, showing your state-issued medical marijuana card won’t help your case.
Can I Travel With Cannabis Products That Don’t Contain THC?
Yes, CBD products are legal to travel across the states, as long as they contain less than 0.3 percent THC.
When it comes to flying, T.S.A. now also allows travelers to carry products like CBD oil that contain less than 0.3 percent THC. But, compliant with T.S.A. rules, any liquids (oils, tinctures, creams) must be less than 3 ounces.
CBD products don’t get you high and could be especially helpful for flyers who experience anxiety.
Elevate Holistics is Here to Get You Legal
So, do medical marijuana cards work in other states? In some states, yes, and typically with certain rules.
MMJ reciprocity laws (and weed laws in general) are forever changing, so it is important to research a state’s cannabis laws before trying to visit a dispensary when traveling.
So, do you still need your MMJ card? Or are you traveling to a state that offers medical marijuana reciprocity?
Elevate Holistics offers medical marijuana card certifications in many states across the U.S.
Our fully online process connects you with a certified cannabis physician via telehealth appointment to get MMJ approval.
All you have to do is click the button below, and, soon enough, you’ll be able to use your MMJ card in several places throughout the country.
