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If you’re planning to visit another state where medical marijuana is legal. But you’re wondering whether your medical marijuana card will be accepted, the acceptance of your card depends on various factors.
While an increasing number of states are starting to recognize out-of-state medical cards, the specific regulations about the usage of your card vary from state to state.
Even if a state acknowledges medical marijuana reciprocity, it doesn’t guarantee that you will be able to buy marijuana. The state might only allow possession or impose additional registration requirements. They may even consider the purpose of your visit.
To ensure that you’re not caught off guard during your next trip to another state, let’s examine the rules governing medical marijuana reciprocity across different states, along with the important details and limitations you should be aware of before your visit.
The State of MMJ Reciprocity
While not all these states acknowledge reciprocity for medical marijuana. In certain states where recreational cannabis remains prohibited, but recognition of medical marijuana reciprocity exists, there may be certain restrictions; still, you will have the opportunity to buy or own cannabis in the following locations:
1. Alaska
Although Alaska does not acknowledge medical marijuana cards from other states. The state allows the purchase and possession of up to one ounce of recreational cannabis.
2. Arizona
In Arizona, there is limited reciprocity for medical marijuana. Visitors must have a valid license from their home state, with a qualifying condition recognized in Arizona, and stay for less than 30 days. Recreational cannabis has been legal in Arizona since January 2021.
3. Arkansas
By presenting a valid out-of-state medical card and completing a $50 patient intake form, individuals can buy medical marijuana in Arkansas for a duration of 30 days.
4. California
Regardless of residency, both recreational and medical marijuana are accessible to individuals over 21 years old in California, as long as they own valid government-issued identification.
5. Colorado
Only residents of Colorado are allowed to buy medical marijuana, but recreational cannabis is fully legalized for anyone 21 and older.
6. Illinois
Illinois does not recognize medical marijuana reciprocity, but the state has legalized recreational cannabis.
7. Hawaii
Out-of-state patients have the option to apply for Hawaii’s medical marijuana program, and those with serious or terminal conditions may have their applications expedited.
8. Maine
States with qualifying conditions similar to Maine’s program recognize medical marijuana cards from other states.
9. Maryland
Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not recognized in Maryland, but visitors seeking medical treatment can register to receive medical marijuana.
10. Massachusetts
Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not recognized in Massachusetts, but the state has legalized recreational cannabis.
11. Michigan
The recognition of out-of-state medical marijuana cards is at the discretion of individual dispensaries. Recreational cannabis is also legalized in Michigan.
12. Montana
Montana recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana cards, but individuals must present a valid card and state-issued identification when making purchases at dispensaries.
13. Nevada
All out-of-state medical marijuana cards are accepted in Nevada.
14. New Hampshire
If an individual’s qualifying condition is also recognized by New Hampshire, their medical marijuana card will be accepted.
15. New Jersey
Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are recognized for a period of up to six months while visiting New Jersey. The state is also in the process of legalizing the sale of recreational cannabis.
16. New Mexico
Following a recent court ruling, New Mexico now recognizes medical marijuana reciprocity. The state is also planning to legalize recreational cannabis in 2022.
17. Oklahoma
Oklahoma recognizes medical marijuana cards from other states, but visitors must complete a Temporary Patient Application Information form to purchase from a dispensary in Oklahoma.
18. Oregon
Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not recognized in Oregon. But recreational cannabis is legal.
19. Puerto Rico
Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are recognized in Puerto Rico, and visitors with valid cards can purchase cannabis from any dispensary. But, recreational cannabis remains prohibited.
20. Vermont
Out-of-state medical marijuana cards are not recognized in Vermont, but individuals aged 21 and older are allowed to own up to one ounce of cannabis.
21, Utah
Visitors with out-of-state medical marijuana cards can own, but not buy, medical marijuana in Utah if they meet one of the state’s qualifying conditions.
22. Washington, DC
Non-district residents with medical marijuana cards can buy medical marijuana from regulated dispensaries during their visit.
States Without Medical Marijuana Reciprocity
Some states do not accept out-of-state MMJ cards and have laws against recreational cannabis. If you plan to visit any of the following states, take this into account:
Connecticut (recently legalized, recreational sales will begin in 2023)
Florida
Georgia
Louisiana
Minnesota
Missouri
New York (Recreational cannabis will be available in 2022)
North Dakota
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island (Recreational cannabis legalization is underway)
South Dakota
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin
West Virginia
Both medical and recreational marijuana are still illegal in the following states:
Alabama
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Mississippi (Cannabis legalization was recently overturned by the State Supreme Court)
Nebraska
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Wyoming
Also Read: How To Reapply For A Medical Marijuana Card When Moving States
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the medical marijuana reciprocity laws in different states. While some states have reciprocity agreements that recognize out-of-state MMJ cards, allowing individuals to legally obtain and use medical marijuana. Others do not accept such cards, making it illegal to possess or use medical cannabis.
