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.
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Can I Use My Medical Marijuana Card in Another State?
The simple answer is yes, but it depends on the state you’re traveling to. You can use your medical marijuana card in another state if that state adopts the policy on medical marijuana reciprocity.
Reciprocity states allow MMJ cardholders to possess and purchase medical marijuana when traveling to that state, even if their card was issued elsewhere.
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 states let dispensaries sell medical marijuana to patients with out-of-state cards, while others only allow those patients to possess it as they cross the border, not buy it while they’re visiting.
Other states 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.
On the other hand, some states will only recognize MMJ reciprocity if your medical ailment is on their list of qualifying MMJ conditions.
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. Through the program, you can get a temporary MMJ license that is valid for 60 days. 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 one 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.
- Oklahoma: You can also get a temporary medical marijuana license in Oklahoma, as long as you have an MMJ card from another state. These temporary licenses are valid for 30 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.
It’s also important to note that some states that aren’t on the list, like California and Colorado, don’t explicitly recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, although adults visiting those states are allowed to purchase cannabis for recreational use.
How to Apply for a Temporary MMJ License in Another State
Some states, like Hawaii, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, allow visitors to apply for a temporary medical marijuana license for several weeks to a month. That way, you can buy cannabis at the state’s trusted dispensaries and get the relief and holistic treatment you need while you’re away from home.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a temporary MMJ license in another state:
- Check for eligibility: Visit the official medical marijuana program website of the state you’re visiting. Each state has its own rules regarding visitor or temporary patient registration, including which out-of-state patients qualify, accepted medical conditions, and residency requirements, if any.
- Bring the required documentation: States will often ask for a valid government-issued ID, proof of your temporary stay within the state, and your MMJ card issued in another state or a physician’s recommendation detailing what medical condition you’re struggling with.
- Submit your application: Fill up the necessary forms online, making sure to provide accurate personal and medical info. Pay the application fee, which can typically range from $25 to $100, and then submit the form.
- Wait for approval: Processing times vary from a few days to a few weeks. If you’re traveling soon, check to see if the state you’re visiting provides expedited processing to accommodate short-term visitors.
Once you’ve been approved, you will receive either a temporary physical card or an electronic approval notice. Bring this with you when you head out to dispensaries in the state so you can purchase medical cannabis freely.
Before you travel out-of-state, familiarize yourself with that state’s specific possession limits, approved cannabis forms, and consumption regulations, just to be sure you don’t find yourself in any trouble.
Can You Take Medical Marijuana Out of State?
It’s one thing to ask, “Can I buy medical weed in another state?” and another to bring medical marijuana you already have into that state. No, patients cannot take medical marijuana across state lines since cannabis is still illegal at the federal level. That makes it a federal crime to transport controlled substances across state lines, even if both states allow medical and recreational use.
What Happens If You’re Caught with MMJ in a Non-Reciprocity State?
Even if you have a valid medical marijuana card from your home state, being caught with cannabis in a non-reciprocity state can lead to serious legal trouble. Since these states don’t recognize out-of-state MMJ cards, your card offers no protection under their laws.
That means you could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, the way you would be if you were caught with recreational marijuana. Because you’re bringing marijuana over the border, you could also 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.
Travel Smarter with an MMJ Card from Elevate Holistics
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.
Heading to a state that offers medical marijuana reciprocity? Travel with confidence and peace of mind knowing that you can get the relief you need with a medical marijuana card. If you don’t have one yet, Elevate Holistics can help you get approved in minutes.
Our fully online process connects you with a certified cannabis physician via a telehealth appointment to get MMJ approval. All you have to do is book an appointment, get a card recommendation for your medical condition, and have a handy MMJ card in your back pocket for when you travel!
