Can I Use My Medical Marijuana In States Where It's Not Legal?

Planning a trip need to be fun. However, given rapidly evolving — and typically complex — laws surrounding medical cannabis, numerous clients feel overwhelmed. Is it okay to utilize lawfully acquired medical cannabis in states where it’s illegal? Can you use your medical cannabis card in different states?
CannaMD sorts through the confusion, describing whatever Florida homeowners require to learn about using medical cannabis outside of the Sunshine State.
State vs. federal law
Much like utilizing medical cannabis in residential apartment or condos, traveling with cannabis boils down to federal versus state law. Unfortunately, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug (similar to heroin, LSD, and euphoria) — which implies selling, acquiring, and/or having the substance is a crime.
Since federal law supersedes state law, this also implies that taking cannabis throughout state lines (even if both states allow medical cannabis use) is prohibited.
As attorney Allison Malsbury describes:
From a legal point of view, it’s really cut and dried. In practice, however, it’s extremely uncertain. In practice, the chances of feds or the DEA sitting at the border waiting to capture someone — that’s just not happening. It’s not practical or worth their time.
However, Americans for Safe Access advises patients:
The finest police encounter is the encounter that never ever takes place.
Keep in mind: Crossing state lines with medical cannabis is still a federal offense.
States where recreational cannabis is legal
Fortunately, a number of states permit patients to side-step travel concerns by permitting legal access to leisure cannabis. Note: This does not indicate that clients can make medical purchases (although a couple of states accept out-of-state medical cannabis cards).
Here’s a look at states where leisure usage is legal (last upgraded 5/11/21):
Individuals of legal age might acquire recreational cannabis from dispensaries. For more details, see: The Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants (no greater than 3 fully grown)
Individuals of legal age (21+) may acquire recreational cannabis from dispensaries. For more details, see: The Arizona Department of Health Services: Marijuana.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable; 6 plants per person (no more than 12 per home); 5g of hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age may acquire recreational cannabis from dispensaries. For additional information, see: The California Cannabis Portal.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants; 8 g. hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age may acquire cannabis from dispensaries. For more details, see: Colorado Marijuana.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants (no more than 3 fully grown); 1 oz. hash/concentrates
Adults 21 and older are enabled to possess and acquire cannabis effective January 1, 2020. With the governor’s signature, Illinois ended up being the first state to approve legal sales through the state legislature rather than a tally step. For additional information, see: Overview of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Possession Limit: 30 g. usable; 5 g. hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age may utilize leisure cannabis. Maine likewise accepts out-of-state medical cannabis cards (talked about in the next section). To find out more, see: The Maine Marijuana Legalization Act and Chapter 409 Public Law.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. usable; as much as 15 plants (no greater than 3 fully grown); 5 g. hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age may acquire recreational cannabis from dispensaries. For additional information, see: The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants; 5 g. focuses
Individuals 21 years and older may buy leisure cannabis from dispensaries. For more information, see: The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz usable
Individuals 21 years and older might purchase leisure cannabis from dispensaries. To find out more, see: Montana Secretary of State — Ballot Measure 190.
Individuals of legal age might buy recreational cannabis from dispensaries. Nevada also accepts out-of-state medical cannabis cards (gone over in the next section). To learn more, see: Marijuana in Nevada.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants; 3.5 g. hash/concentrates
New Jersey passed recreational cannabis legislation that went into impact January 1, 2021, however, till Governor Phil Murphy passes extra «enabling legislation» that lays out the complete information of how cannabis can be produced and distributed, the brand-new leisure law remains in limbo. Governor Murphy has actually assured to pass last legislation on this matter within his first 100 days in office. For more details, see: State of New Jersey: Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 183.
Possession Limit: 6 oz. functional
Individuals of legal age (21+) might begin purchasing leisure cannabis from dispensaries on June 29th, 2021. Commercial sales will officially begin in 2022. For more details, see: HB2: New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act.
Possession Limit: 2 oz usable; 6 plants per individual (no more than 12 per home); 16g hash/concentrates; 800mg edibles
New York passed Senate Bill S854A on March 31, 2021 which officially legislated recreational cannabis usage for grownups 21 years and older. To learn more, see: New York State Health: Marijuana Program.
Possession Limit: 3 oz usable; 12 plants (with no more than 6 mature plants and 6 immature per home); 24g hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age may purchase recreational cannabis from dispensaries. For more details, see: Oregon Recreational Marijuana.
SOUTH DAKOTA *
South Dakota citizens passed legislation to allow people 21 years of age and older to acquire recreational cannabis from dispensaries. Although initially set to go reside in July of 2021, on Feb. 8, 2021, a South Dakota judged ruled that Amendment A (which would have legalized recreational cannabis) broke a state rule that constitutional modifications just cover one subject. Governor Kristi Noem is presently working vigilantly to overturn the modification. Meanwhile, cannabis advocacy groups are planning to appeal the ruling to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
While the concern is held up in the courts, recreational cannabis will stay illegal in the state. To learn more, see: South Dakota: Constitutional Amendment A.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable
Individuals of legal age might purchase leisure cannabis from dispensaries. For more information, see: The State of Vermont Marijuana Commission.
Recreational belongings of cannabis for grownups of legal age (21+) will go into impact on July 1, 2021. Commercial sales are set to start on January 1, 2024. For additional information, see: Virginia State: SB 1333 and HB 2218.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 4 plants
Individuals of legal age may acquire leisure cannabis from dispensaries. For additional information, see: The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable; 16 oz. solid marijuana-infused, 72 oz. liquid instilled; 7 oz. of focuses
* WASHINGTON, D.C.
Individuals of legal age might purchase leisure cannabis from dispensaries. For more details, see: The DC Metro Police Department.
Using and/or purchasing cannabis with an out-of-state medical cannabis card
Several states permit medical cannabis use and/or purchases with out-of-state medical cannabis cards. This list (last upgraded 5/11/21) consists of:
Alaska enables both leisure and medical cannabis. Out-of-state medical cannabis cards are not recognized, however any adult over 21 can purchase cannabis at a recreational dispensary. To learn more, see: What You Need to Know about Using Marijuana in Alaska.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. useable; 6 plants (no greater than 3 fully grown)
Arizona allows checking out clients to utilize medical cannabis (with a state-approved card); however, non-residents are not allowed to purchase cannabis from a dispensary. To find out more, see: Arizona Medical Marijuana FAQs.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. useable; 12 plants
Arkansas presently allows for «going to qualified patients» who have a valid medical cannabis card issued by another state to purchase and have cannabis. To find out more, see: Arkansas Medical Marijuana FAQs.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. useable per 14-day period
With the death of Proposition 64, California officially opened its doors to medical cannabis clients from any state who are over the age of 21. Although you do not need a medical cannabis card to buy from a dispensary, all extra taxes are waived for qualified patients with a legitimate card. For additional information, see: Proposition 64: 34011 (g).
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 8 g concentrate; 6 plants grew (contingent on regional regulations)
Although leisure cannabis is legal in Colorado, non-residents (no matter their status as a medical cannabis cardholder) are bound to stricter ownership limitations. To find out more, see: Colorado Laws About Marijuana Use.
Possession Limit for all non-residents: 1 oz. functional; 8 g concentrate; May just acquire 1/4 oz. functional at a time
Possession Limit for citizens with a medical cannabis card: 2 oz. usable; 56 g concentrate; 6 plants
Hawaii allows for «certified clients from other states who have been confirmed in their home state and signed up in Hawaii. » For more info, see: Hawaii Department of Health Medical Cannabis Registry Program.
Possession Limit: 4 oz. useable per 15-day period
Effective January 1, 2020, grownups 21 and older may possess cannabis and purchase cannabis products in licensed shops. Non-residents may acquire 15 grams of cannabis, 250 mg. of THC in a cannabis-infused product, and 2.5 grams of concentrated cannabis products. To find out more see: Overview of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Possession Limit: 15 g. usable; 2.5 g. hash/concentrates
Maine allows checking out clients to use medical cannabis if they have a legitimate Maine-approved written physician certificate form, which has been completed, signed and dated by the visiting client’s home-jurisdiction treating physician. The type is readily available on the DHHS website. For additional information, see: Safe Access: Becoming a Patient in Maine.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. useable; up to 15 plants (no more than 3 mature); 5 g. hash/concentrates
If a client from out of state is in Maryland for medical treatment, they can register to get medical cannabis, however the state does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards. To learn more, see: Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission: Registration.
Visiting patients with a medical cannabis card may acquire and use medical cannabis. For more details, see: Michigan Medical Marijuana Act 333.26424, Sec. 4(h).
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. usable; 12 plants
Per the Mississippi State Department of Health: «MSDH is currently working to develop production, guideline and licensing structures in time for the time frame of August 15, 2021. Initiative 65 requires that regulations for all elements of the program, consisting of production and licensing for sale, must remain in location by July 1, 2021. As we make development we will keep the general public fully informed.» To learn more, see: Mississippi State Department of Health: Medical Marijuana Regulation and Licensure.
Possession Limit: N/A
Only irreversible Missouri homeowners who have a legitimate medical cannabis license may acquire medical cannabis from a dispensary. Missouri does not currently recognize medical cannabis cards from other states although provisions remain in location to hopefully change this. To find out more, please refer to: The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services: Medical Marijuana Rules.
Possession limitation for medical cannabis clients: 4 oz useable per 30-day period
You do not need a medical cannabis card to buy leisure cannabis in Montana. However, Montana does recognize legitimate medical cannabis cards from other states. For more information, see: Montana Secretary of State — Ballot Measure 190 or Montana Legislature: Title 50 Chapter 46.
Possession Limit: 1 oz functional
You do not need a medical cannabis card in order to acquire recreational cannabis in the state of Nevada. However, Nevada does honor valid medical cannabis cards from other states. Cardholders from Florida might go shopping in medical cannabis dispensaries. For additional information, please refer to Nevada Legal Use Possession & Consumption.
Possession limitation for non medical clients: 1 oz. functional; ⅛ oz concentrate; 6 plants (however ONLY if there is no MMTC within 25 miles of the residential or commercial property you’re growing at and you have actually written permission from the proprietor)
Possession limitation for medical cannabis patients: 2.5 oz useable per 14-day period; 12 plants
As long as patients are authorized to use cannabis for a condition approved by New Hampshire, visitors can use medical cannabis (nevertheless, they can not make purchases at dispensaries). To learn more, see: Therapeutic Cannabis Program Registry Rules, He-C 401.16, Visiting Qualifying Patients.
Possession Limit: 2 oz. functional
Patients going to Oklahoma with a medical cannabis card from another state might get a short-term registration from Oklahoma at an expense of $100. For more details, see: Current OMMA Rules.
Oregon does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards, but any adult 21+ can acquire cannabis with legitimate ID. To learn more, see: Oregon Health Authority.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable in public; 8 oz. home-grown functional in the house; 4 plants; 16 oz. strong marijuana-infused, 72 oz. liquid-infused; 1 oz. extract at home of hash/concentrates
Rhode Island allows visiting clients to use and buy medical cannabis (with a state-approved card). For additional information, see: The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act § 21-28.6 -4 (n).
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz usable; 12 plants
Currently, Vermont does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards, although any adult 21+ with a valid ID might buy cannabis from any dispensary. For additional information, see: Vermont Statutes Chapter 084: Possession and Control of Regulated Drugs: 18 V.S.A. § 4230.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants (no greater than 2 mature); 5 g. hash
You do not need a medical cannabis card in order to purchase recreational cannabis from a dispensary. Washington does not honor medical cannabis cards from other states. For more details, see: The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Possession Limit for non-cardholders: 1 oz. entire flower; 16 oz. solid marijuana-infused, 72 oz. liquid infused; 7 oz. of focuses
Possession limit for resident card-holders only: 3 oz functional; 48 oz strong instilled; 216 oz liquid instilled; 21 g concentrate; 6 — 15 plants depending on doctor referral.
* WASHINGTON D.C.
Washington D.C. accepts medical cannabis cards from states with «functionally comparable programs.» Fortunately for CannaMD clients, Florida is among these accepted states! To learn more, see: DC Health Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Jurisdictions
Possession Limit: 2 oz. usable; 6 plants, 3 fully grown
Medical cannabis reciprocity laws
States accepting out-of-state medical cannabis cards practice what is known as reciprocity. While reciprocity laws — specifically in states that permit medical purchases — help visitors prevent a variety of travel-related legal issues, it’s crucial to remain conscious of both cannabis’s federal restriction and state-specific statutes.
Seasonal «Snowbird» Florida citizens
Seasonal Florida locals might qualify for a Florida medical cannabis card. According to Senate Bill 8(A):
The term «seasonal citizen» means anyone who momentarily lives in this state for a duration of a minimum of 31 consecutive days in each calendar year, maintains a temporary house in this state, returns to the state or jurisdiction of his/her house a minimum of one time throughout each fiscal year, and is registered to vote or pays earnings tax in another state or jurisdiction.
How to Get Started
Interested in attempting medical cannabis? Call CannaMD at (855) 420-9170 or complete a FREE online application today!