Medical Marijuana Card Use in Other States

Many people who obtain their medical marijuana card may experience some confusion about where they can and cannot use their card– i.e., what states have medical marijuana reciprocity and what that is in general.

That confusion can lead to hold-ups in obtaining your medical marijuana, or it can mean complete denial of purchasing your Medical Marijuana while traveling. Neither are things you deserve or need when trying to get the medical marijuana you’re entitled to.

The following paragraphs will explain where you’re able to use your card and the process of doing so to ease said confusion.

What is medical marijuana reciprocity?

Medical marijuana reciprocity simply refers to if a particular state has equal laws regarding patients legally purchasing medical marijuana when outside of the state their card was issued.

In other words, it determines whether you’ll be able to purchase medical marijuana with your out-of-state card.

Many states have reciprocity. However, others will require you to obtain an entirely separate card to buy in that state. Here are the US states that allow sales of medical marijuana for out-of-state visitors. Please note there are other states that have reciprocity for possessing or using marijuana for Medically Certified Patients.

The list below includes only states where there are clear guidelines on purchasing cannabis with a valid Medical Marijuana Certification from another state.

 

• Arkansas – 30 Day Visiting Patient Form Required. This can be acquired at a Licensed Arkansas Dispensary. It is recommended to call the dispensary you plan on first visiting in advance of your trip.

• Florida- Accepts Medical Marijuana ONLY if you have a Medical Marijuana Card from the state of Florida. There is NO reciprocity

• Maine – Accepts specific Medical Marijuana Certifications from select states with some product purchasing restrictions see here

• Michigan – Leaves state Medical Marijuana Card reciprocity up to each dispensary. It is recommended to call the dispensary you plan on first visiting in advance of your trip.

• Montana – Does accept other states’ Medical Marijuana Certifications. Dispensaries may check to see if your qualifying condition matches the conditions listed in their state.

• Nevada – Accepts all other states licensed medical marijuana cards.

• New Jersey – Recognizes out-of-state Medical Marijuana Certifications for up to six months while visiting the state.

• New Mexico – Also allows the use of Medical Marijuana Cards from other states.

• Oklahoma – Will accept out of state Medical Marijuana Cards with completion of a Temporary Patient Application Form

• Puerto Rico – Accepts all other states licensed medical marijuana cards. Please note Recreation Marijuana use is not legal in Puerto Rico.

• Washington D. C. – At this time does allow Medical Marijuana Purchases in a dispensary for patients who have a valid Medical Marijuana Card from another state. However, there is buzz in D.C. that this could be changing, call ahead!

The process of using your card in other states

While these states allow medical marijuana purchases for patients from another state, it is still entirely illegal or strongly restricted in many more, so step one is doing your research before traveling and ensuring that you’re familiar with the laws of the state. Otherwise, it could mean serious trouble.

In any case, you should always travel with your medical marijuana card and the included documentation. You should also call ahead to dispensaries in the area and keep your medical marijuana in the original container with the receipts.

In conclusion, be prepared– be safe.

If you do as we’ve said and exercise the appropriate amount of caution before traveling, your trip will go perfectly. However, it never hurts to ask for more advice along the way–it can make the difference.

For those without a medical marijuana card of your own, now is the best time to get one. So, when you’re ready to learn more, contact Medwell Health and Wellness.