Which States Accept Out-of-state Medical Marijuana Cards?

Medical marijuana has become a game-changer for countless individuals seeking relief and improved wellness. However, when it comes to traveling outside of your home state, accessing your medication can become a bit more complicated. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the laws and regulations surrounding medical cannabis reciprocity across the country.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive overview of the states that accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, including the legal framework behind each state’s policies. Additionally, we’ll explore any limitations or important considerations that patients should be aware of when traveling with their medication.

Whether you’re a frequent traveler seeking relief or simply curious about the nuances of state laws, this article will serve as a valuable resource. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which states are cannabis-friendly and allow patients to access their medication with peace of mind. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of medical marijuana reciprocity!

Which States Accept Out-of-State MMJ Cards 2024?

Currently, several US states, including the District of Columbia and Washington DC, have legalized medical marijuana, with some having plans to establish their program. However, not all states that have approved MMJ recognize licenses from non-permanent residents. It is important to note that not all MMJ states accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, but individuals aged 21 and over can purchase cannabis in those locations.

Moreover, even in states that acknowledge out-of-state MMJ cards, patients may face challenges with dispensaries due to varying regulatory criteria, including the types of marijuana products permitted, quantity permitted, and where they can be purchased.

States That Allow Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

Medical cannabis reciprocity offers relief for individuals using medical cannabis to manage their health conditions when traveling to another state. Though not currently available in all US states, a good number have implemented medical marijuana reciprocity, allowing patients to use their out-of-state MMJ card in such states.

As of 2023, these are the states that have implemented medical marijuana reciprocity:

1. Arizona

Arizona offers reciprocity for visiting qualifying patients with a valid out-of-state medical cannabis card and who live outside of Arizona or have lived in Arizona for less than 30 days. The Arizona reciprocity program requires that visiting qualifying patients comply with and observe the legal limits on possession and usage within the state. The amount of medical marijuana a patient is permitted to possess in their home state or jurisdiction is inconsequential. It should be noted that during their stay in Arizona, a visiting qualifying patient is prohibited from possessing more than two and a half ounces for personal use.

2. Arkansas

Arkansas allows visitors to purchase medical marijuana after approval as a visiting patient. To get approved, the out-of-state patients must fill out and submit an online application and pay a non-refundable fee of $50. Approved patients are allowed to purchase medical marijuana for a maximum of a 90-day period.

3. Hawaii

Hawaii has a marijuana reciprocity program that allows out-of-state patients (OSP) to purchase and possess medical cannabis. OSPs must apply online and pay a non-refundable $49.50 application fee and must be certified with one or more debilitating medical conditions identified in the Hawaii State guide. If approved, the temporary card is valid for 60 days. MMJ patients in Hawaii can possess up to four ounces.

4. Louisiana

Visiting patients need a valid MMJ card or equivalent from another state to get marijuana from a pharmacy. According to Louisiana marijuana rules, visiting patients must complete a board-approved form stating their diagnosis and personal details. The form must include a signed statement that they won’t share the marijuana.

5. Maine

Currently, medical cannabis patients visiting Maine from approved states can use their valid state-issued medical cannabis patient credentials to buy medical cannabis. Visiting patients can buy up to 2.5 ounces of medical cannabis/cannabis products every 15 days. Approved states are

• New Jersey
• Alaska
• Arkansas
• Virginia
• California
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Connecticut
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Utah
• Vermont
• Arizona
• Washington
• Washington, DC.

6. Nevada

The Nevada Medical Marijuana Program Reciprocity authorizes dispensaries of the State of Nevada to sell medical marijuana to cardholders from the following locations, provided that the patient presents a state or local government-issued MMJ card:

• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Connecticut
• District of Columbia
• Delaware
• Ely Shoshone Tribe
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington
• Yerington Paiute Tribe
• Winnemucca Indian Colony

7. Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a reciprocity program, and it offers 30-day out-of-state patient licenses to residents of other states with state-government-issued medical marijuana patient licenses. Out-of-state applicants must provide a state-issued patent license, valid photo ID, and proof of identity. The processing fee is non-refundable and includes $100 plus a $4.30 credit card processing fee.

8. Utah

Utah does not have a reciprocity program, but it accepts out-of-state MMJ cards. However, visitors are allowed to buy medicinal marijuana after they have obtained a temporary marijuana card with a maximum validity of 21 days, with a limit of two 21-day cards per calendar year. They must hold a medical cannabis card in their home state and be diagnosed with a qualifying health condition permitted by Utah legislation.

Qualifying conditions include 

• HIV/AIDS
• Alzheimer’s disease
• ALS
• Cancer
• Crohn’s disease/ulcerative colitis
• Epilepsy/debilitating seizures
• Muscle spasms
• PTSD
• Autism
• Terminal illness with less than six months of life expectancy,
• Chronic pain.

9. Washington, DC

Washington DC’s reciprocity program allows visiting patients from any US state to continue using their medical cannabis while visiting. To obtain medical cannabis from a licensed dispensary in DC, individuals who are not residents of DC can apply for a 30-day temporary registration or present their patient registration from a US state or territory that offers reciprocity. This provides a convenient way for those who require medical cannabis to obtain it legally in DC.

10. New Mexico

To benefit from the marijuana reciprocity under the State of New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program, patients must have a government-issued proof of authorization from another state, the District of Columbia, a territory or commonwealth of the United States, or a New Mexico Indian nation, tribe, or pueblo. The patient must, in addition, present both government-issued proofs of authorization and photo identification, register electronically at a dispensary to track units of medical cannabis purchased and sign their electronic registration themselves. 

11. Michigan

Michigan has taken a unique stance on the issue of reciprocity, allowing individual dispensaries to make the call instead of making statewide decisions. Consequently, whether your medical marijuana card will be accepted in Michigan is subject to the discretion of each dispensary. However, the state’s legalization of recreational marijuana in 2018 means that individuals aged 21 or older can legally purchase and possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower or 15 grams of concentrates. Medical marijuana can also be obtained at various dispensaries throughout the state, although it is advisable to contact the dispensary in advance to confirm whether they accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

12. New Hampshire

New Hampshire permits visiting patients with a qualifying medical condition and a valid state-issued medical marijuana (MMJ) card to procure and hold therapeutic cannabis. However, such patients may not obtain cannabis from an alternative treatment center more than thrice within a 12-month period unless they furnish a statement from their healthcare provider confirming their eligibility for such medicinal cannabis use. Moreover, visiting patients are not authorized to cultivate cannabis.

13. New Jersey

New Jersey operates a reciprocity program, allowing visiting patients to obtain a non-renewable six-month MCP card for tax-free medical cannabis purchases. To initiate the process, visiting patients must consult a registered NJ physician who will verify their home state’s program and enroll them in the state’s MCP card registry.

14. Rhode Island

Rhode Island has implemented medical marijuana reciprocity, enabling patients with debilitating medical conditions to engage in medical marijuana use with a registry identification card or its equivalent. Furthermore, a qualifying patient or primary caregiver registry identification card issued by other states, U.S. territories, or the District of Columbia holds the same legal significance as a registry identification card for medical marijuana use within the state.

15. West Virginia

As stipulated in Chapter 16A of the Medical Cannabis Act and Article 3 of the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Program, medical marijuana reciprocity is available for terminally ill cancer patients. The regulatory body responsible for administering the program may establish agreements with other states that have equivalent regulations and prerequisites for the lawful acquisition and use of medical cannabis under the provisions outlined in this article.

States Without MMJ Reciprocity

Despite the increasing legalization of medical marijuana across the United States, some states do not recognize out-of-state marijuana cards. The following is a list of US states that do not accept out-of-state MMJ cards:

Alabama: Despite the legalization of medical marijuana in Alabama, the state does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. As a result, individuals who use marijuana to manage their health conditions cannot legally obtain medical cannabis in Alabama if they are from out of state.

California: California currently doesn’t have a reciprocity program in place, which unfortunately means that individuals with out-of-state medical cannabis cards will not be able to use them within the state. Nevertheless, California has also legalized recreational use for adults. Therefore, individuals over the age of 21 who are visiting California can take advantage of the state’s adult-use recreational cannabis market by visiting one of the many recreational dispensaries to purchase and consume cannabis products legally and safely, provided they comply with California’s regulations.

Delaware: Delaware does not currently have a medical marijuana reciprocity program in place. This means that individuals who possess a medical marijuana card from another state are not able to use it to access medical marijuana within Delaware.

Georgia: Georgia currently does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, meaning that patients who hold a medical cannabis card from another state will not be able to access medical marijuana in Georgia. 

Mississippi: Mississippi doesn’t accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, so only Mississippi-issued MMJ cards are valid for purchasing medical marijuana.

Missouri: Missouri’s Medical Marijuana Program does not offer reciprocity with other state medical marijuana programs, which means that possessing an MMJ card or license from another state does not automatically qualify a patient for a license in Missouri. Currently, individuals who are visiting Missouri and possess a valid card from another state are permitted to have cannabis in their possession, but they are not authorized to purchase it within the state. This is in line with, Article XIV, Section 1, Subsection 5(1) of Missouri law stipulates that an individual who presents an equivalent identification card issued by another state shall not be liable to arrest or any other legal penalties under Missouri law, provided that the individual is in possession of marijuana in quantities below the limit specified for qualified Missouri patients.

Pennsylvania: Medical marijuana reciprocity is unavailable, which means that the state does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. 

South Carolina: South Carolina does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

South Dakota: South Dakota does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

Texas: Texas has a very restrictive medical marijuana program and does not recognize out-of-state marijuana cards. 

Virginia: Virginia does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana patients. 

Wisconsin: Wisconsin does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. 

Florida: Despite the legalization of medical marijuana in Florida, the state does not recognize out-of-state MMJ cards.

New York: Though currently illegal, there is pending legislation that aims to establish medical cannabis program reciprocity in New York.

Ohio: Ohio does not currently offer medical marijuana reciprocity with any other states.

States Where Medical and Recreational Marijuana Is Illegal

Although many individuals continue to talk about and experience the benefits of marijuana, it is still illegal for medicinal and recreational purposes in some parts of the United States. As of 2023, possession, distribution, and consumption of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes remain illegal in several states. Penalties for violating these laws vary from state to state and may result in fines, imprisonment, or other legal consequences. 

Even in states where marijuana is legal, regulations and restrictions exist that must be adhered to in order to avoid legal issues. The following list includes US states where marijuana use, for either medical or recreational purposes, remains illegal.

1. Idaho

According to Idaho Law, marijuana falls under Schedule I controlled substances. It is prohibited for both medical and recreational use. Any individual found manufacturing, delivering, possessing with intent to manufacture or deliver, or simply possessing marijuana, including all parts of the cannabis plant, as well as any preparation containing tetrahydrocannabinol, would be breaking the law. Additionally, it is strictly prohibited to use marijuana in public or be under its influence.

2. Kansas

There have been several efforts made to legalize marijuana in Kansas; however, all of them have been unsuccessful thus far. In 2021, the Kansas House approved the legalization of medical marijuana. However, Senate Bill 560, which aimed to permit the cultivation, distribution, processing, dispensing, and purchase of marijuana and related equipment, failed to pass the committee during the final days of the legislative session.

3. Nebraska

Currently, Nebraska considers both medical and recreational marijuana illegal. However, there is a promising prospect of a legislative shift as Omaha Sen. Terrell McKinney introduced the LB634 bill, which seeks to legalize the commercial sale of recreational cannabis to individuals aged 21 and above in Nebraska. The bill aims to establish a regulatory framework for the cultivation, sales, and distribution of marijuana while prioritizing individuals from low-income and marginalized communities, as well as regions with high drug charge rates, seeking to venture into cannabis businesses. The proposed bill includes provisions that decriminalize the possession, transportation, and purchase of up to one ounce of cannabis by individuals aged 21 and above. Nonetheless, it strictly prohibits smoking or consuming any cannabis products in public spaces or motor vehicles.

4. Tennessee

Both medical and recreational usage of marijuana is unlawful in Tennessee, with penalties varying for different types of charges. In cases of possession of marijuana, individuals may face a fine of up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to one year. Although Tennessee has legalized hemp cultivation and designated Cannabis sativa containing less than 0.3% THC as hemp, marijuana, which is Cannabis sativa containing more than 0.3% THC, remains illegal in the state.

Can You Take Medical Marijuana Out of State?

Marijuana, including medical marijuana, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by the federal government in the United States. This means that transporting it across state lines is considered a federal crime and may result in drug trafficking charges, carrying a minimum sentence of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Patients who are traveling and will require medical cannabis treatments outside of their home state should look out for the provisions of medical marijuana reciprocity. These laws generally require patients to carry documentation of their status in their home state’s program, such as their medical cannabis cards.

However, when traveling with marijuana, it is best to do so with your MMJ card. For proper guidance, refer to this guide we have written to keep you informed. 

Can I Travel With Cannabis Products That Don’t Contain THC?

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows the transportation of prescribed, FDA-approved cannabis products, such as Epidiolex, as well as CBD products manufactured under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the 2018 Farm Bill). The latter category’s products must be made from industrial hemp, which cannot contain more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

However, it is essential to note that the legality of CBD varies from state to state, and some states may still have laws in place that prohibit it. It is recommended to research the laws of the state you are traveling to and consult with a legal expert or medical professional before traveling with CBD products. Always remember that federal law still considers marijuana illegal, and traveling with it across state lines is illegal.

Does California Accept Out-of-State MMJ cards? 

In 1996, California became the first state in the US to legalize medical marijuana, setting the tone for other states to follow suit. Since then, several states have also legalized recreational marijuana use. 

Although California has been at the forefront of progressive marijuana laws, it may be disappointing to discover that it has no medical marijuana reciprocity program in place and requires qualified patients to obtain a California medical marijuana card from a licensed physician in the state.

While out-of-state medical marijuana patients may still purchase marijuana from a dispensary with a valid ID, they cannot purchase medical marijuana tax-free or possess more than the legal limit.

Therefore, it is recommended that out-of-state medical marijuana patients seek advice from a California-licensed physician to acquire a California medical marijuana card. The process involves obtaining a physician’s recommendation, submitting an application to the California Department of Public Health, and paying a fee. Once approved, patients will receive a California medical marijuana card valid for one year. 

US States That Accept Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Cards and their requirements

Final thoughts

The legality and acceptance of out-of-state medical marijuana cards vary from state to state. To avoid unpleasant surprises, It is important for patients to do their research and understand the laws and regulations of the state they plan to visit or reside in. While some states may accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, others require patients to obtain a medical marijuana card from a state-licensed physician.

If you are looking to obtain your MMJ card quickly, affordably, and easily, Dr. Weedy is the trusted, fast, and reliable option. As an eligible patient, you can conveniently apply for your MMJ card online from the comfort of your own home at affordable rates. Dr. Weedy’s team of licensed physicians is dedicated to helping every patient stressless navigate the process of obtaining a medical marijuana card and providing them with access to the medical benefits of cannabis. 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Contact us right now to get started with getting your MMJ card.

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