Many states legalized some form of medical cannabis, and thousands of dispensaries operate nationwide. Still, each state and mode of transportation sets its own medical marijuana rules. Navigating these laws can feel overwhelming, especially since cannabis remains federally illegal.
Most patients want to travel with a medical marijuana card and bring their medication along, but what’s allowed? We break down this question to help you stay informed and avoid legal issues while traveling with medical cannabis.
Many patients understandably ask, “Can you fly with medical marijuana?” Unfortunately, the safest option may be to leave tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products behind when flying, as this could help avoid delays, fines, or the risk of confiscation.
Flying with medical marijuana in 2025 remains legally complicated. Even with a valid medical marijuana card, federal law still considers cannabis a Schedule I substance. Because airports and airplanes fall under federal jurisdiction, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not allow cannabis products. This includes flower, vapes, edibles, or tinctures—in carry-on or checked luggage.
TSA focuses on flight safety, not cannabis enforcement, and agents don’t typically search for marijuana. TSA is technically not a law enforcement agency, as Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) is, which makes international flying with cannabis always out of the question. Still, they must report it if found, which can lead to legal risks depending on the airport, state, or country (when flying internationally).
The good news is, you can legally fly with federally legal cannabidiol (CBD) products that contain less than 0.3% THC. Unfortunately, these products may not provide the same relief as when combined with your usual medical cannabis. If you rely on THC-based products, consider consuming your medical marijuana before arriving at the airport or acquiring it at your destination.
Some airports also offer “amnesty boxes” to safely dispose of cannabis before security. It may be helpful to research the laws in your destination state and review medical marijuana reciprocity policies before traveling. While the laws have not yet caught up with patient needs, advocates continue to push for reform.
Traveling by car offers more flexibility than flying, but driving across state lines with medical marijuana still presents legal challenges due to conflicting state and federal laws.
Federal law classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, making it illegal to transport across state lines, even between states that allow medical use. Medical marijuana reciprocity doesn’t override these federal restrictions. Crossing borders in your vehicle still violates the law, and possession remains prohibited in federal areas like highways, borders, and national parks.
States vary widely in how they handle this. Many do not allow out-of-state patients to bring cannabis with them, even if those patients have a medical marijuana card. A few states do offer medical marijuana reciprocity, meaning they recognize out-of-state cards and permit limited purchases or possession to varying degrees.
Medical marijuana reciprocity lets patients from certain states use their out-of-state medical card to purchase or possess cannabis when they travel. However, each state sets its own MMJ travel rules, and those rules often vary significantly.
Full Reciprocity States
These states currently accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards for both possession and purchase, without requiring a temporary card.
Currently, the following states issue temporary medical marijuana cards to visiting patients, allowing limited legal access to cannabis with an application, a qualifying condition, and a fee. For some on this list, adult use (21+) is still available.
Several states listed below restrict medical cannabis access to residents only and don’t accept out-of-state MMJ cards. Patients must establish residency to register in these programs.
READ: Traveling with CBD: Rules and Regulations
Traveling with medical marijuana often requires thoughtful preparations to ensure a safe and legal trip.
Research your route carefully, checking each state’s possession limits, reciprocity rules, and qualifying conditions, as these can change. Carry your valid, unexpired medical card and only the amount of medical marijuana you need to stay within legal limits.
Even then, crossing state lines or entering federal areas still carries risk. If your destination doesn’t offer reciprocity, it may be best to leave your cannabis behind and plan to purchase locally where allowed.
A best practice is bringing your valid medical marijuana card and, if applicable, a doctor’s recommendation or letter that lists your diagnosis, dosage, and approved product—some states have strict rules about inhalation consumption methods. This may help confirm your patient status while traveling. Keeping both physical and digital copies can offer added legal security.
Storing your cannabis in its original, labeled packaging—and using an additional odor-proof container or bag that is discreet in appearance—can further reduce the chance of unwanted attention.
Carrying properly labeled cannabis in a smell-proof bag with your MMJ card may reduce risk during air travel. Ideally, only fly with hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC), as THC remains illegal in air travel. Some airports offer amnesty boxes, but federal law still applies.
If you purchase cannabis abroad with a credit card, that activity may be reported by your credit card company to travel authorities. You may be subject to more search or given a hard time about it when crossing back into the states. To avoid drawing attention or ending up on a list, stick to cash purchases as we do in the US.
TSA doesn’t actively search for marijuana, but Customs and Border Patrol does for international arrivals, and TSA agents must also report it if they find any. If you decide to fly with medical marijuana, carrying it in your carry-on may be preferable. TSA generally expects medical items—and all vapes, including tobacco—to be hand-carried or in a carry-on.
When possible, keep your medical marijuana in the trunk or a secure, smell-proof container in an out-of-reach compartment while driving. Keep all MMJ documentation easily accessible, however. Of course, you should never drive while impaired or under the influence of THC products.
Beyond planes and cars, you may use other forms of transportation while carrying your medical marijuana card and products. Each method comes with its own set of legal considerations and best practices.
Bus (e.g., Greyhound, Megabus): Buses cross state lines and follow federal law, which prohibits cannabis. Even with a medical card, you risk confiscation or being denied boarding. Ideally, keep your cannabis in your carry-on and refrain from using it until you reach your destination.
Train (e.g., Amtrak): Amtrak bans cannabis entirely. If possible, carry only hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC), and bring your medical card along when traveling with cannabis.
Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): Drivers may refuse service if they detect the presence of cannabis. Sealing products in smell-proof containers and keeping them packed out of sight can help reduce attention while traveling.
Taxi or Private Driver: Rules vary by company. Keeping cannabis sealed (ideally in a smell-proof container), discreet, and accompanied by documentation may help if law enforcement becomes involved.
RV or Camper Travel: Just like with car transportation, federal law still applies when crossing state borders. Securing a sealed, smell-proof container of medical marijuana in a cabinet and avoiding transport through non-reciprocal states when possible may reduce legal risk.
Bicycle or Motorcycle: Storing MMJ in odor-proof containers in secure bike storage and carrying your medical card is ideal. Local laws can vary, especially when it comes to non-motorized travel.
Walking or Hiking Across State Lines: Even on foot, crossing state borders with cannabis remains federally illegal. Keeping products in their original packaging and avoiding walking into non-reciprocity states may reduce the risk of complications. Hemp-derived CBD may be a safer option in these cases.
Cruise Ships: Most cruise lines prohibit cannabis entirely due to federal and international law. While sometimes taking cannabis on a cruise is medically necessary, opting for legal alternatives like hemp-derived CBD may be a safer travel choice.
Ferries or Local Water Transport: Policies vary by state and ferry operator. In some legal states, traveling with sealed medical cannabis and supporting documents may be acceptable. Discretion and checking ahead with the ferry service can help clarify what’s allowed.
Yes, but only within legal limits and in states that permit it. Laws vary, and cannabis remains federally illegal, which complicates interstate and air travel. Always carry your MMJ card, know the rules, and follow medical marijuana travel tips.
No. Federal law still bans THC-based products on planes, even with a medical card. TSA doesn’t typically search explicitly for marijuana, but CBP does, and both must report it if found. You may fly with hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC) domestically, however, but not internationally, because of CBP.
Some states offer medical marijuana reciprocity. Rules vary—some allow possession, others enable purchases, and a few require a temporary card. Always check state-specific policies before traveling.
No. Flying with cannabis (except hemp-only products) violates federal law, regardless of state legality or medical use. TSA may confiscate it or involve law enforcement.
Not under federal law. Transporting cannabis across state lines remains illegal, even between legal states. Reviewing MMJ travel rules and avoiding cannabis transport through non-reciprocity states may help reduce legal complications.
TSA and CBP ban cannabis even for medical use in carry-ons and checked bags, and agents must report the marijuana they find. You may fly domestically with hemp-derived CBD (≤0.3% THC), but not arrive internationally with it.
No. Edibles contain THC and are federally illegal on flights. Bringing hemp-based alternatives or medicating before flying helps you stay compliant.
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