Being a patient of medical marijuana can make travel challenging. There are medical programs in 41 states and Washington, D.C., as of 2024. Cannabis is legal for recreational use in 25 states. Additionally, each of them has distinct laws that may leave cannabis users wondering, “Can I use my medical card in another state?”
The answer is as complicated as it needs to be right now. In this blog post, we will have a look at the states that accept out-of-state medical cards in 2024.
First and foremost, it is imperative that all MMJ users understand that it is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines in the United States. Federal drug trafficking is the act of crossing state lines with cannabis in your possession, even if you have a 420 card. This implies that you will have to try to legally get cannabis at your destination and leave your medication at home when you travel.
However, how simple is it for people who use medical cannabis to buy on the go?
- Reciprocity laws in certain states permit card holders from other states to buy cannabis from their dispensaries.
- People who are not permanent residents of other states can temporarily access dispensaries by using temporary or visitor medical cards.
- Additionally, medical patients can access the recreational market in states where cannabis is legal for adult use, though prices may be higher than for patients receiving medical cannabis within those states.
- Additionally, some states have active MMJ programs, but only residents of those states are permitted access.
Keep in mind that in states without reciprocity laws, your out-of-state medical medical card will not shield you from legal action. It should go without saying that in states without programs, a 420 card will not help you in any way.
Unfortunately, many medical cannabis patients who travel out of state are left without their medication due to federal prohibition. Therefore, it’s always best to plan ahead before your next trip. Investigate. Recognize the advantages your card provides and the laws and regulations pertaining to marijuana in the state where you are going. To find out more about when and how you can use your card in other states, continue scrolling.
How Out-of-State Visitors Can Access Medical Marijuana
Access to cannabis is not a given for visiting patients, even in states where it is legal. Patients who live outside of the state can lawfully obtain medical cannabis in three different ways.
- Reciprocity
- Adult-use (recreational) sales
- Temporary in-state cards for visitors
For patients with valid out-of-state cards, some states have decriminalized possession; however, they are not allowed to participate in the marketplace, which prevents them from making lawful purchases.
Because marijuana laws are unclear, many card holders who travel may find it tempting to ask a friend in the area to buy for them or to bring their own across state lines. It might be wiser to check if the state you’re visiting offers reciprocity, temporary 420 cards (which may incur fees), or a legal gifting policy where you can obtain marijuana by taking a few extra steps rather than running the risk of criminal penalties using these methods.
What is an Out-of-State Patient Medical Cannabis License?
Some states are willing to temporarily certify visiting patients themselves, even though not all states are willing to accept cards from other states. In most of these states, the visiting patient must see an in-state physician and go through a certification procedure that is comparable to that of a resident applying for a permanent license.
Although out-of-state licenses aren’t always useful for quick travel, they’re great for patients who want to receive treatment in another state or for anyone who intends to stay for a long time. Patients seeking medical care in another state are the main target of out-of-state licenses. For patients who are staying in another state for an extended period of time for other reasons, such as attending college or staying with relatives, they might also be an option.
The typical duration of an out-of-state license is a few weeks to a few months. They are not a long-term solution, but they may be useful for short-term visits.
Can My 420 Medical Card Be Used in Other States?
Reciprocity laws for medical cannabis exist in some states. A state can recognize another state’s MMJ program and pay respect to the cards that state has issued by enacting reciprocity laws. MMJ card holders are likely to have some sort of access to the state’s program when visiting a state with reciprocity laws.
Generally speaking, reciprocity laws have restrictions. In order to prevent systemic abuse, the majority of states aim to restrict reciprocity. For instance:
- The majority of states only permit reciprocity for a set period of time, after which the patient is required to enroll as a resident in the state’s program.
- Only patients with comparable qualifying conditions to their own are eligible for reciprocity in certain states.
- Certain states restrict reciprocity to patients who possess medical cannabis ID cards issued by the state, rather than those who have a prescription or recommendation from a physician.
- Additionally, some states mandate that the patient’s ID and state-issued ID have the same address.
Researching the reciprocity restrictions in the state you intend to visit is therefore a smart idea.
States with Medical Cannabis Reciprocity: Where Out-of-State MMJ Cardholders Can Purchase Cannabis
With a few exceptions, following are states that accept out-of-state medical cards 2024 for the patients who have valid home state cards.
| State | Reciprocity |
|---|---|
| Delaware | Medical marijuana users who have certifications or comparable documentation from other states with comparable certification requirements have the same rights as Delaware medical marijuana users while they are there, as of May 29, 24. The state-issued registry ID card or its equivalent must be presented by the patient. |
| Louisiana | Patients from other states are able to purchase medical marijuana in Louisiana as of August 1, 2022. The state-issued registry ID card or its equivalent must be presented by the patient. |
| Maine | The requirements must resemble those stated in Maine’s program. The adult use market is also available to patients. |
| Michigan | The decision to accept or reject out-of-state cards is up to the dispensaries. |
| Nevada | All out-of-state cards are accepted. Use by adults is also allowed. |
| New Hampshire | The condition of a visiting patient needs to be on the list of authorized medical conditions in New Hampshire. |
| New Jersey | For stays of up to six months, out-of-state cards are accepted. Cannabis use by adults is also allowed. |
| New Mexico | Customers with a state-issued medical marijuana ID (rather than just a prescription or recommendation from a doctor) are now eligible for reciprocity in the state, according to a recent court decision. Cannabis use by adults is also allowed. |
| Puerto Rico | Patients 21 years of age and older may use out-of-state cards. |
| Rhode Island | Accepts out-of-state cards from patients who have a registry identification card (or its equivalent) and a crippling medical condition. |
| Washington D.C. | 35 of the 37 states with medical cannabis programs allow out-of-state cards. |
Medical Cannabis States Requiring Out-of-State Patients to Obtain a Temporary In-State Card
The states listed below do not accept out-of-state medical cards in general. During their visit, patients must instead apply for a temporary card. Since insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of a temporary card, patients who intend to travel should think about how long it will take to obtain one and how much it will cost. These states are:
| State | Reciprocity |
|---|---|
| Arkansas | Valid only with an out-of-state card and after a $50 intake form is filled out. The validity of temporary cards is 90 days. |
| Hawaii | Visitors can use the state’s medical marijuana program portal to apply for a temporary card. An accelerated procedure is available to those with serious or terminal illnesses. |
| Maryland | Although out-of-state cards are not accepted by the state, visitors who are in Maryland for medical treatment may register to receive medical cannabis. |
| Mississippi | For $75, out-of-state residents can apply for a temporary card that lasts for 15 days. An extra fifteen days may be added to the renewal period. Purchase quantities are extremely constrained. (Sales will soon begin.) |
| Oklahoma | If a patient fills out a Temporary Patient Application Information form, they can use legitimate state-issued identification. It takes more than just a recommendation from an out-of-state physician to get a temporary Oklahoma 420 card. |
In 2021, Mississippi’s attempt to legalize cannabis was rejected. The rules have not yet been written, even though the legislature has since passed a more restrictive bill that might permit temporary cards for visitors from outside the state.
States Allowing Adult-Use Recreational Cannabis Sales
Marijuana purchases by visiting patients who are 21 years of age or older are permitted in the following states with legalized adult use regulations:
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Colorado
- California
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Maine
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- New York
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Ohio
- Rhode Island (rec sales started in Dec 2022)
- Virginia
- Vermont
- Washington D.C.
- Washington
- Guam
- Northern Mariana Islands
Although the aforementioned states have legalized cannabis for recreational use, this does not guarantee that tourists will have access to medical cannabis while they are there. Reciprocity programs are in place in a few of the states. Recreational dispensaries would be the only places for the others to visit medical patients.
States That Do Not Allow Cannabis Access for Out-of-State Medical Patients
The following states forbid any kind of reciprocity. Although there are no legal ways to buy cannabis while in the state, the state occasionally permits visitors to possess it. Prior to visiting the following, make appropriate plans:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Mississippi: In 2021, the State Supreme Court struck down the legalization of cannabis, which was approved by voters. They are writing new regulations.
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah: Patients who are visiting and have one or more of Utah’s recognized qualifying conditions are permitted to possess medical cannabis during their visit but not to buy it.
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How Do I Obtain a 420 Card?
Each state has a different application process for medical marijuana, but the fundamental steps are the same, and 420 Doctors Oklahoma makes it even easier.
- Register at our website.
- Discuss how MMJ can help treat your qualifying medical condition with your state-licensed physician.
- After receiving your recommendation for medical cannabis, register with your state.
There are various qualifying medical conditions in each state, and if you have current medical records, it can help your evaluating physician confirm that you do have the condition. Additionally, you will need to provide documentation of your state’s residency, such as your driver’s license.
Don’t Miss: How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card Online in Oklahoma 2024
Final Words!
It’s best to confirm the regulations in the place you intend to visit if you use medical marijuana. Consult reliable sources, such as the websites of the state’s government.
A diagnosis, course of treatment, legal counsel, or medical advice should not be substituted by this article. For inquiries or worries regarding legality or medical matters, speak with a medical or legal expert.
This article’s content, along with any charts or pictures it contains, is solely meant to be educational. This information is not intended to replace or replace expert legal counsel, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek advice from a lawyer, doctor, or other qualified professional if you have any worries or inquiries concerning laws, rules, or your health.