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

Planning a holiday ought to be enjoyable. However, given quickly progressing — and typically complicated — laws surrounding medical cannabis, numerous clients feel overwhelmed. Is it alright to use 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, laying out whatever Florida citizens require to learn about using medical cannabis beyond the Sunshine State.
State vs. federal law
Just like utilizing medical cannabis in property apartment or condos, taking a trip with cannabis comes down to federal versus state law. Unfortunately, cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug (similar to heroin, LSD, and ecstasy) — which means selling, acquiring, and/or having the compound is a criminal offense.
Since federal law supersedes state law, this likewise means that taking cannabis across state lines (even if both states allow medical cannabis usage) is unlawful.
As lawyer Allison Malsbury discusses:
From a legal perspective, it’s very cut and dried. In practice, however, it’s extremely ambiguous. In practice, the opportunities of feds or the DEA sitting at the border waiting to catch someone — that’s just not taking place. It’s not practical or worth their time.
However, Americans for Safe Access advises patients:
The best law enforcement encounter is the encounter that never ever happens.
Keep in mind: Crossing state lines with medical cannabis is still a federal offense.
States where leisure cannabis is legal
Fortunately, a number of states enable clients to side-step travel issues by allowing legal access to recreational cannabis. Note: This does not suggest that clients can make medical purchases (although a few states accept out-of-state medical cannabis cards).
Here’s a look at states where leisure use is legal (last upgraded 5/11/21):
Individuals of legal age may buy leisure cannabis from dispensaries. For additional information, see: The Alaska Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable; 6 plants (no more than 3 mature)
Individuals of legal age (21+) may buy leisure cannabis from dispensaries. To learn more, see: The Arizona Department of Health Services: Marijuana.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants per individual (no more than 12 per home); 5g of hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age may buy recreational cannabis from dispensaries. For additional information, see: The California Cannabis Portal.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable; 6 plants; 8 g. hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age might purchase cannabis from dispensaries. To learn more, 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 authorize legal sales through the state legislature instead of a ballot measure. To learn more, see: Overview of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Possession Limit: 30 g. usable; 5 g. hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age may use recreational cannabis. Maine also accepts out-of-state medical cannabis cards (talked about in the next section). For additional information, see: The Maine Marijuana Legalization Act and Chapter 409 Public Law.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. usable; as much as 15 plants (no more than 3 fully grown); 5 g. hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age might purchase leisure cannabis from dispensaries. To learn more, see: The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants; 5 g. focuses
Individuals 21 years and older may purchase leisure cannabis from dispensaries. To find out more, see: The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz functional
Individuals 21 years and older may acquire leisure cannabis from dispensaries. For additional information, see: Montana Secretary of State — Ballot Measure 190.
Individuals of legal age may purchase recreational cannabis from dispensaries. Nevada also accepts out-of-state medical cannabis cards (gone over in the next area). For more details, see: Marijuana in Nevada.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 6 plants; 3.5 g. hash/concentrates
New Jersey passed leisure cannabis legislation that went into impact January 1, 2021, however, till Governor Phil Murphy passes extra «allowing legislation» that lays out the complete information of how cannabis can be produced and dispersed, the brand-new leisure law stays in limbo. Governor Murphy has promised to pass final legislation on this matter within his very first 100 days in workplace. To find out more, see: State of New Jersey: Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 183.
Possession Limit: 6 oz. usable
Individuals of legal age (21+) might begin buying recreational cannabis from dispensaries on June 29th, 2021. Commercial sales will formally start in 2022. For more information, see: HB2: New Mexico Cannabis Regulation Act.
Possession Limit: 2 oz functional; 6 plants per individual (no more than 12 per household); 16g hash/concentrates; 800mg edibles
New york city passed Senate Bill S854A on March 31, 2021 which formally legislated leisure cannabis use for grownups 21 years and older. To learn more, see: New York State Health: Marijuana Program.
Possession Limit: 3 oz functional; 12 plants (without any more than 6 fully grown plants and 6 immature per home); 24g hash/concentrates
Individuals of legal age might buy leisure cannabis from dispensaries. For additional information, see: Oregon Recreational Marijuana.
SOUTH DAKOTA *
South Dakota residents passed legislation to enable 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 legislated leisure cannabis) violated a state guideline that constitutional changes just cover one subject. Governor Kristi Noem is currently working vigilantly to overturn the modification. Meanwhile, cannabis advocacy groups are preparing to appeal the ruling to the South Dakota Supreme Court.
While the issue is held up in the courts, recreational cannabis will remain illegal in the state. For more details, see: South Dakota: Constitutional Amendment A.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable
Individuals of legal age may acquire recreational cannabis from dispensaries. To find out more, see: The State of Vermont Marijuana Commission.
Recreational possession of cannabis for grownups of legal age (21+) will enter into impact on July 1, 2021. Commercial sales are set to start on January 1, 2024. To find out more, see: Virginia State: SB 1333 and HB 2218.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable; 4 plants
Individuals of legal age may purchase leisure cannabis from dispensaries. To learn more, see: The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. functional; 16 oz. strong marijuana-infused, 72 oz. liquid infused; 7 oz. of focuses
* WASHINGTON, D.C.
Individuals of legal age might buy recreational cannabis from dispensaries. For more details, see: The DC Metro Police Department.
Using and/or buying cannabis with an out-of-state medical cannabis card
Several states allow medical cannabis usage and/or purchases with out-of-state medical cannabis cards. This list (last upgraded 5/11/21) includes:
Alaska enables both recreational and medical cannabis. Out-of-state medical cannabis cards are not recognized, however any adult over 21 can buy cannabis at a recreational dispensary. For additional information, see: What You Need to Know about Using Marijuana in Alaska.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. useable; 6 plants (no more than 3 fully grown)
Arizona permits visiting clients to use medical cannabis (with a state-approved card); however, non-residents are not permitted 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 competent patients» who have a valid medical cannabis card provided by another state to buy and possess cannabis. For additional information, see: Arkansas Medical Marijuana FAQs.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. useable per 14-day duration
With the passing of Proposition 64, California officially opened its doors to medical cannabis patients from any state who are over the age of 21. Although you do not need a medical cannabis card to purchase from a dispensary, all extra taxes are waived for certified patients with a legitimate card. For more details, see: Proposition 64: 34011 (g).
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable; 8 g concentrate; 6 plants grew (contingent on local regulations)
Although recreational cannabis is legal in Colorado, non-residents (despite their status as a medical cannabis cardholder) are bound to more stringent possession limits. To find out more, see: Colorado Laws About Marijuana Use.
Possession Limit for all non-residents: 1 oz. usable; 8 g concentrate; May only buy 1/4 oz. usable at a time
Possession Limit for homeowners with a medical cannabis card: 2 oz. functional; 56 g concentrate; 6 plants
Hawaii allows for «certified clients from other states who have actually been validated in their home state and registered 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, adults 21 and older may possess cannabis and purchase cannabis products in certified stores. Non-residents might acquire 15 grams of cannabis, 250 mg. of THC in a cannabis-infused item, and 2.5 grams of concentrated cannabis products. For additional information see: Overview of the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
Possession Limit: 15 g. functional; 2.5 g. hash/concentrates
Maine allows going to patients to utilize medical cannabis if they have a valid Maine-approved written doctor certificate form, which has actually been completed, signed and dated by the going to client’s home-jurisdiction treating doctor. The form is available on the DHHS website. For more information, see: Safe Access: Becoming a Patient in Maine.
Possession Limit: 2.5 oz. useable; as much as 15 plants (no greater than 3 mature); 5 g. hash/concentrates
If a client from out of state is in Maryland for medical treatment, they can sign up to receive medical cannabis, however the state does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards. For more details, see: Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission: Registration.
Visiting clients with a medical cannabis card might buy 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 presently working to develop production, guideline and licensing structures in time for the time frame of August 15, 2021. Initiative 65 needs that regulations for all aspects of the program, including production and licensing for sale, need to be in location by July 1, 2021. As we make development we will keep the public fully notified.» To learn more, see: Mississippi State Department of Health: Medical Marijuana Regulation and Licensure.
Possession Limit: N/A
Only long-term Missouri citizens who have a legitimate medical cannabis license might buy medical cannabis from a dispensary. Missouri does not currently recognize medical cannabis cards from other states although provisions remain in location to hopefully amend this. To learn more, please describe: The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services: Medical Marijuana Rules.
Possession limit for medical cannabis patients: 4 oz useable per 30-day period
You do not need a medical cannabis card to acquire leisure cannabis in Montana. However, Montana does recognize valid 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 require a medical cannabis card in order to buy recreational cannabis in the state of Nevada. However, Nevada does honor valid medical cannabis cards from other states. Cardholders from Florida may go shopping in medical cannabis dispensaries. For more details, please describe Nevada Legal Use Possession & Consumption.
Possession limit for non medical clients: 1 oz. functional; ⅛ oz concentrate; 6 plants (but ONLY if there is no MMTC within 25 miles of the home you’re growing at and you have written consent from the proprietor)
Possession limit for medical cannabis clients: 2.5 oz useable per 14-day period; 12 plants
As long as clients are licensed to use cannabis for a condition approved by New Hampshire, visitors can utilize medical cannabis (however, 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 visiting Oklahoma with a medical cannabis card from another state might get a momentary registration from Oklahoma at a cost of $100. To find out more, see: Current OMMA Rules.
Oregon does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards, however any adult 21+ can purchase cannabis with legitimate ID. To find out more, see: Oregon Health Authority.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable in public; 8 oz. home-grown functional at home; 4 plants; 16 oz. solid marijuana-infused, 72 oz. liquid-infused; 1 oz. extract in the house of hash/concentrates
Rhode Island enables visiting clients to use and acquire medical cannabis (with a state-approved card). For more 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 may purchase cannabis from any dispensary. For more details, see: Vermont Statutes Chapter 084: Possession and Control of Regulated Drugs: 18 V.S.A. § 4230.
Possession Limit: 1 oz. usable; 6 plants (no greater than 2 fully grown); 5 g. hash
You do not require a medical cannabis card in order to buy recreational cannabis from a dispensary. Washington does not honor medical cannabis cards from other states. For additional information, see: The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.
Possession Limit for non-cardholders: 1 oz. whole flower; 16 oz. strong marijuana-infused, 72 oz. liquid instilled; 7 oz. of focuses
Possession limit for resident card-holders just: 3 oz functional; 48 oz strong instilled; 216 oz liquid infused; 21 g concentrate; 6 — 15 plants depending on physician referral.
* WASHINGTON D.C.
Washington D.C. accepts medical cannabis cards from states with «functionally equivalent programs.» Fortunately for CannaMD patients, Florida is among these accepted states! For more information, see: DC Health Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Jurisdictions
Possession Limit: 2 oz. functional; 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 — particularly in states that permit medical purchases — assist visitors prevent a number of travel-related legal problems, it’s important to remain mindful of both cannabis’s federal restriction and state-specific statutes.
Seasonal «Snowbird» Florida homeowners
Seasonal Florida homeowners may receive a Florida medical cannabis card. According to Senate Bill 8(A):
The term «seasonal local» suggests any person who momentarily lives in this state for a period of at least 31 successive days in each fiscal year, keeps a short-lived home in this state, returns to the state or jurisdiction of his or her house a minimum of one time during each calendar year, and is signed up to vote or pays earnings tax in another state or jurisdiction.
How to Get Started
Interested in trying medical cannabis? Call CannaMD at (855) 420-9170 or complete a FREE online application today!