Are Medical Marijuana Cards Valid In Other States?
State by state, cannabis regulations are shifting, and it is encouraging to see the number of cannabis-friendly states increasing. So, if you are a medical marijuana card holder, you may wonder: Where are medical marijuana cards valid and can they be used in other states?
On that note, medical marijuana card reciprocity is when one state recognizes another’s card and certificate. Essentially, if you have a valid medical marijuana card in one state, you can use it in another state with reciprocity, according to that state’s rules.
In this article, you will see what other states’ medical marijuana reciprocity policies permit for out-of-state MMJ users.
Where Are Medical Marijuana Cards Valid and How Many States Allow Reciprocity?
If you are wondering in which states medical marijuana is legal, here is a rundown of those that may or may not have medical marijuana reciprocity legislation but will honor your out-of-state card. So, where are medical marijuana cards valid?
You can enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana in:
- Alaska: No out-of-state medicinal marijuana registrations get accepted in Alaska. In contrast, buying up to an ounce of cannabis for recreational use is legal.
- Arizona: Only “visiting qualifying patients” can receive limited reciprocity in Arizona.
- Arkansas: People with a valid prescription and identification card from another state can legally purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas once they complete a visiting patient form and bring their credentials.
- California: Anyone over 21 with a valid government-issued ID can purchase cannabis for recreational or medical use.
- Colorado: In the same way Californians over 21 can legally purchase cannabis, so can visitors who can prove their age with official documentation.
- Illinois: Although the state does not permit medical marijuana reciprocity, recreational cannabis use is allowed in Illinois.
- Washington, D.C.: Only states with a similarly effective medical marijuana program get accepted for reciprocity in Washington, DC.
- Maine: With valid identification, medical marijuana patients from specific states can shop at any of Maine’s medical dispensaries.
- Massachusetts: Any resident of Massachusetts over the age of 21 may purchase, possess, and consume cannabis for either medicinal or recreational usage.
- Michigan: The dispensaries in Michigan can accept medicinal marijuana cards from other states.
- Montana: Montana allows out-of-state medical cardholders to possess and consume marijuana when visiting.
- Nevada: In 2000, Nevada legalized medical marijuana, and since then, it has maintained full reciprocity with every other state.
- New Hampshire: In New Hampshire, out-of-state medical marijuana patients can have up to two ounces but cannot buy from local dispensaries.
- Oklahoma: With a valid temporary license, medical marijuana patients from other states can shop at dispensaries in the Sooner State.
- Oregon: While the state does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, recreational marijuana use gets permitted in Oregon.
- Rhode Island: Dispensaries are open to out-of-state patients who provide valid medical marijuana cards and government-issued ID cards from their home state.
- Vermont: Vermont approved recreational cannabis in 2018, allowing individuals over 21 to carry up to an ounce of marijuana.
- Utah: Utah requires patients to satisfy one of its qualifying conditions to extend reciprocity.
- Washington: All adults over 21 can buy recreational cannabis in Washington state.
States That Don't Allow MMJ Reciprocity
Since you know where medical marijuana cards are valid, it’s time to discuss states that don’t allow MMJ card reciprocity:
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
Conclusion
In light of the continued federal prohibition on cannabis, it is always a violation to transport any cannabis across state boundaries; thus, medical marijuana patients should be aware of the restrictions in every state they visit before making plans and learn where medical marijuana cards are valid.
For more information on medical marijuana laws of different states and cannabis product types, visit our blog.
