Can You Use Your Medical Marijuana Card In Other States?

The culture surrounding cannabis is changing rapidly. As more states legalize the recreational and medicinal uses of the plant, what was accepted a year ago could now be completely different in your state of residence, causing many to ask questions. For example, can you use your medical marijuana card in other states?

While crossing state lines with cannabis remains illegal – even if it is medicinal in nature – it is possible to use your medical cannabis card in another state if you are aware of local regulations. The answer depends on where you buy the cannabis and the medical cannabis reciprocity of that state.

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Photo by Dino Reichmuth via Unsplash

The reciprocity of medicinal cannabis basically allows patients to carry and use their medicinal cannabis outside of their state without fear of punishment. The list of states with cannabis reciprocity includes: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California and more, according to this list published by Cannabis Doctors of New York.

Even so, in these states, it’s a little more complicated than simply snapping up your medical marijuana card and buying some weed. Each of these states have independent rules and regulations, with states like New Jersey having lax rules and others like Arizona having a more limited set of conditions requiring patients to meet the state’s medical marijuana program.

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States with recreational marijuana program regulations, such as Nevada and California, are easier. Medical marijuana cards are not required as anyone over 21 can purchase them.

In short, if you are trying to use your medical marijuana card outside of your state, do your research and keep the following in mind: If you are traveling to a state with legal medical marijuana, find out about their reciprocity rules and whether your medical condition complies with them the criteria of the state.

RELATED: Cross State Lines On Marijuana, Take Your Child Away

Think twice about crossing state lines with marijuana. Even medical marijuana remains illegal due to the classification of marijuana as a List I drug. If you travel anywhere with legal recreational marijuana, don’t worry. Just pack enough money with you.