This blog was originally written by Anthony Dutcher but has been updated with new information as states continue to change their regulations nationwide.
Looking to find your medical cannabis in a state that hasn’t yet legalized it? It may be tempting to drive across neighboring state lines with more cannabis-friendly laws. However, the number of states that will authorize qualified patients from out-of-state medical marijuana programs is still relatively small.
That doesn’t mean you can’t access a green state’s medical marijuana programs, though. Many places will either permit patients access to dispensaries and/or permit medical cannabis possession within a reasonable amount. Cannabis laws are constantly changing across the country, and it’s refreshing to see that the list of cannabis-friendly states is steadily growing! Let’s take a look at which US states that have a reciprocity program for guests that are cannabis patients.
As different levels of cannabis legalization grow across the country, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in terms of out-of-state cannabis consumption. There are basically two levels of legalized cannabis: medical and recreational. Some states with recreational use may be willing to sell recreational cannabis to out-of-state patients with medical marijuana cards, while others may allow you to visit medical dispensaries. (Not all states have differences between medical and recreational cannabis for sale, though most have different tax rates for medicinal users versus recreational users.)
The following states currently have medical marijuana programs:
Of those states, these are the ones that currently accept out-of-state MMJ cards in some form or another:
Just because you have a medical marijuana card, doesn’t mean you can automatically purchase cannabis at a dispensary in a state where it is legal. The following is a list of states that DO have reciprocity laws in place, meaning they will sell you medical marijuana if you have an out-of-state card.
Alaska’s medical marijuana program does not recognize out-of-state MMJ cards. However, it is legal to purchase up to 1 ounce of cannabis for recreational purposes.
Arizona provides limited reciprocity for those who are considered “visiting qualifying patients.” To qualify as a qualifying patient, you need to hold an out-of-state medical cannabis card and live outside of Arizona, or have only lived in Arizona for fewer than 30 days. Qualifying patients must also be licensed in their home state with a condition that meets Arizona’s medical card criteria. These conditions are:
With an approved medical marijuana card in Arizona, every two weeks you can purchase up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis from a dispensary in Arizona – or a designated caregiver.
Recreational cannabis is legal to purchase in Arizona as of 2021, with a possession limit of up to 2.5 ounces.
Those with a valid out-of-state medical recommendation and card can legally purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas, provided they fill out a visiting patient form and can provide proof of their out-of-state medical marijuana registration. Visiting patients also need to pay a $50 application fee. If approved, a visiting patient may purchase medical marijuana in Arkansas for a 30-day period, per application.
Qualified registered patients are allowed to purchase up to 2.5 ounces from a dispensary every 14 days.
With the passage of Proposition 64, recreational and medical cannabis is now available for anyone 21 or older with a valid government-issued identification. The possession limits are 28.5 grams of cannabis flower and 5 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Just like in California, tourists are allowed to buy cannabis if they have valid government-issued identification, and are 21 or older. The possession limits are one ounce for non-resident adults.
More information about Colorado’s marijuana program can be found here.
While Illinois does not allow medical marijuana reciprocity, it has legalized recreational cannabis. Unlike many other states, there are some limitations on what out-of-state residents can purchase. Non-residents age 21 and older can have 15 grams of cannabis, 250 mg of infusions, and 2.5 grams of concentrate.
Washington D.C. only allows reciprocity from certain states that have an equally functioning medical marijuana program. These states include:
While cannabis is decriminalized and is legal for recreational use, only authorized MMJ patients are able to purchase from dispensaries. Current marijuana laws prohibit the retail sale of cannabis in D.C.
If your state is not on the aforementioned list, you can still bring your medicine as long as you keep a minimum on your person. You can legally possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis flower for personal use while concentrates and hashish remain illegal. If you visit D.C., be absolutely sure you avoid consuming cannabis on federal land and stick to using it only on private property.
More information about DC’s marijuana program can be found here.
In Maine, adults that are at least 21 years old can possess and use marijuana. While retail sites were thought to be open to the public by 2018, the deadline seems to have been set back. Nonetheless, adults can still possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower and 5 grams of hashish or concentrates. Medical marijuana patients from certain states can use their patient status to purchase at any of Maine’s medical dispensaries with proper identification. Maine will currently honor qualified patients from the following states:
More information about Maine’s marijuana program can be found here.
In Massachusetts, all adults over the age of 21 are legally allowed to use cannabis for recreational or medicinal purposes. The possession limits are a maximum of 1 ounce of cannabis flower and 5 grams of cannabis concentrate for adults with valid government-issued identification.
Michigan’s dispensaries can choose whether or not they will recognize an out-of-state medical marijuana card. However, Michigan legalized recreational cannabis in 2018. Adults that are at least 21 years old are legally permitted to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis flower or 15 grams of concentrates. Dispensaries for medical marijuana are accessible throughout the state.
Montana is considered to have reciprocity with other states, allowing medical cardholders from out-of-state to possess and consume marijuana while visiting. However, until 2021, no states bordering Montana had legalized medical marijuana, making it illegal to bring your own cannabis into the state. South Dakota recently legalized cannabis, so this may change in the future.
As of January 1, 2021, recreational marijuana is legal in Montana. Those age 21 and older are allowed to possess, use, and grow up to 1 ounce of marijuana. Retail sales should begin in 2022.
Recreational marijuana became legal in Nevada in 2017, allowing adults 21 and older to purchase and consume cannabis for personal use. Previously, Nevada had legalized medical marijuana in 2000, and Nevada had reciprocity with all states.
For recreational use, adults 21 years and older can legally possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis edibles, flower, or topicals, and 3.5 grams of marijuana concentrates. Medical cannabis patients and caregivers can possess up to 2.5 ounces of edibles, flower, concentrates, or topicals per two-week period.
In New Hampshire, medical marijuana patients from out of state are allowed to possess up to 2 ounces of usable cannabis, but are not permitted to purchase from local dispensaries. The patient must also have the same qualifying medical conditions that are listed in New Hampshire’s medical marijuana program.
New Jersey recognizes all other states’ medical marijuana cards. Those who are registered under their home state’s medical marijuana programs can receive reciprocity under New Jersey’s cannabis program for up to six months while they are visiting. Out-of-state medical marijuana patients may also be able to get certified by a New Jersey doctor. Patients are allowed to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower.
New Jersey also recently legalized recreational cannabis.
Yes! Oklahoma recognizes out-of-state cannabis cards. In the Sooner State, out-of-state medical marijuana patients are able to purchase from dispensaries after applying for a temporary license. The temporary license costs $100, takes about 2 weeks to process, and is valid for 30 days with the ability to be renewed. If approved, patients can possess:
Oregon does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. However, recreational marijuana is legal in the state. Anyone over 21 can purchase cannabis. The possession limits are of one ounce of cannabis flower, 16 ounces of solid infused edibles, 72 ounces of infused liquid, 1 ounce of cannabis concentrates and 16 ounces of cannabis topicals.
As long as patients bring their physical medical marijuana card with a government-issued ID card from the same state, visiting patients can have access to dispensaries in Rhode Island. Out-of-state patients are also permitted to possess the same amount of medical marijuana as in-state patients. The possession limits are 2.5 ounces of usable cannabis.
Since Vermont legalized cannabis for recreational use in 2018, adults over 21 are permitted to carry up to 1 ounce of cannabis. Commercial dispensaries are currently unavailable and only Vermont residents who participate in the state’s MMP are permitted to purchase from state-licensed medical dispensaries.
Like other state’s on this list, Utah requires patients to meet one of its own qualifying conditions in order to extend reciprocity. Those qualifying conditions include:
Washington state legalized cannabis for recreational use. All adults that are at least 21 years old are able to purchase cannabis at retail sites across the state. The law allows for adults to possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis flower, 16 ounces of infused edibles, 72 ounces of infused liquids, or 7 grams of concentrates.
While medical marijuana may be legal in these states, they do not serve out-of-state patients.
While Georgia has legalized medical marijuana, there is still no avenue to legally purchase cannabis.
Hawaii does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders, but does allow out-of-state residents to apply for their own program. Those with serious or terminal conditions can get their applications fast-tracked.
Minnesota does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Possession of less than 42.5 grams (1.5 ounces) of cannabis is considered a petty misdemeanor. First-time offenders may be ordered to attend drug rehab, though the law does allow a fine of up to $300.
State medical marijuana laws do not allow a patient with an out-of-state medical cannabis card or certification to possess medical marijuana in Missouri.
New York does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards or certificates and recreational use is not legal. One interesting tidbit for qualifying patients: vaporizing marijuana is illegal in any area where smoking is prohibited.
Ohio does not extend reciprocity with its medical marijuana program. For those who aren’t registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Control Program, possession of less than 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cannabis is considered a minor misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $150.
Virginia does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana patients. The state did decriminalize marijuana in 2020. Now, the maximum penalty for possessing up to 1 ounce of marijuana is a $25 fine, with no arrest or criminal record imposed.
While Pennsylvania legalized cannabis for medicinal use, its state laws are still fairly strict. Out-of-state medical marijuana patients that were minors used to be able to obtain cannabis in Pennsylvania; however, that law appears to have been recently rescinded.
In November 2020, cannabis was the real winner of the election. Four states voted to legalize marijuana: Arizona, New Jersey, Montana, and South Dakota. Additionally, Mississippi approved medical marijuana. Here are what’s expected from these states.
Arizona has already rolled out recreational sales for all individuals over the age of 21.
Mississippi leaders are currently working to establish production, regulation and licensing structures in time for the target date of August 15, 2021. Initiative 65 requires that regulations for all aspects of the program, including production and licensing for sale, must be in place by July 1, 2021.
As of January 1, 2021, Montana residents age 21 and older are allowed to possess, use, and grow up to 1 ounce of marijuana. It is unclear when recreational retail sales will begin.
As of January 1, 2021, recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey to adults 21 and older. Recreational sales are not yet legal.
Starting July 1, 2021, adults 21 and older will be able to possess 1 ounce of cannabis with no more than 8 grams of that being concentrate. They will also be able to grow three plants and possess the harvest if there are no retailers in their area. Registered patients will be able to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and six plants.
While Texas does have legal medical marijuana, it is considered one of the strictest laws of its kind. To qualify to receive medical marijuana in Texas, the Compassionate Use Act states that you must be a permanent resident of the state and suffer from “intractable epilepsy.” There are no other qualifying conditions. For those who do qualify, only cannabis products that contain 0.5% THC or less, and no less than 10% cannabidiol, or CBD, are legal.
Wisconsin has CBD-only medical marijuana provisions.
In the following states, no version of marijuana is legal:
This varies widely by state, but usually, the answer is no. One exception is Hawaii, which allows you to apply for their program in lieu of reciprocity.
For all the states listed above, dispensaries should accept out-of-state IDs. Happy shopping!
While California did not accept out-of-state MMJ cards, the point is moot since they legalized recreational cannabis.
If you have questions about obtaining a medical card, Veriheal makes the process simple and quick. Sign up today to speak with an mmj doctor through our online platform.
What about Florida?
What about Maryland?
Living in South Carolina is like living in the DARK ages!!!
Need to update this with Virginia’s changes
Hello!
My name is Pam, I am 71yo & live in chronic pain!
I also live in the state of Alabama! As of May 2021 Al has legalized purchase of MMj!
This site isn’t helping me because when I put my Al zipcode in it ends there. Nor can I find a Mmj Dr because the same issue has occurred! How often is this site updated?
I just wanted to inform someone to report that Al is now legal for Mmj!
Thx once again for your time!
Hi Pam! This site is indeed updated. However, we do not service Alabama quite yet. If you sign up for our newsletter (at the bottom of our site), we will notify you once we have doctors operating in Alabama. I hope that helps! 🙂
Now @ Utah, has Medical Marijuana. Can I purchase Marijuana, threw You?
Good on you for sharing.
If I have my Medical Marijuana card in New Jersey would I be able to use it in North Carolina? I just recently moved to North Carolina and am trying to find a job but I’ve had my medical marijuana card for a while now in Jersey but I’m stuck because am I not gonna be able to use my medical marijuana card? Also when I get drug tested and I fail, would my card cover that? I need help!
Nice content! This can be a good reference.
I am moving to Ohio and what do I need to do cause I applied for West Virginia medical marijuana card how do I get it transferred or something
I have a pa medical marijuana card . Can I use it at a Florida dispensary?
So in California I can mail order with a Texas DL and a Texas medical card for marijuana use?
No. Across the board, it is 100% illegal to ship cannabis through the mail or even move it across state lines. However, if you were to go to California, you would be able to purchase from dispensaries with your DL and card.
Iowa has legalized medical marijuana but only offer pills, creams and vape systems
How can get a medical card but I stay in South Carolina but I travel to places where it’s legal
Since SC doesn’t have a standing medical cannabis program, unfortunately, you won’t be able to use reciprocity anywhere. So, your only choice is to visit states where recreational use is legal. Do note that while it’d be legal for you to partake in a recreational state (assuming you are 21 or older), traveling across state lines with cannabis products is federally illegal.
Update your article. NY State allows recreational use now so do many other states
This article pertains to reciprocating medical programs only. These are completely separate from recreational ones.
My NJ card works in puerto rico 🔥
North Carolina needs to get with the program. I currentl live in PA and am moving to NC. I suffer horribly with so many auto immune illnesses and am allergic to every pain medication and every other med out there to help totalling over 50 differences ones. The meds the doctors prescribe me have destroyed certain organs of mine. I need marijuana. I can’t smoke it cuz of my asthma but the tincture and topical creams have been a life saver. Now I have to go without and go back to being in extreme pain and bed bound at age 48. This is not fair no way, no how. Try living my life, I’ll give u my health records and u tell me what I should do?????
This makes sad. I’m moving to NC soon, I guess I’ll ho back to suffering. I currently live in PA and I’m gonna miss it and being without pain.
Marijuana should be legalized for a variety of reasons. However, I am going to restrict my comments to the legalization of medical maijuana (and/or caniboid oil, etc.)
I was a nurse. I am, now, on Hospice due to liver failure and diverticulitis. Because of my impaired liver, I am not a candidate for surgical intervention for my diverticulitis. Marijuana did not kill my liver. Alcohol (which is legal) did.
Diverticitis is a very debilitating and painful disease. Our (current) Pope just underwent surgery for his diverticitis.
I choose the minimal amount of medication available to me. I do not want to become addicted to opioids. Marijuana is a natural plant coming from the ground. It’s like people who only want to consume hydroponic food.
Marijuana would work for me in a variety of ways. It would help with my appetite. Decrease my nausea while increasing my appetite. Help with the constant, debilitating pain.
Wouldn’t you want this option for yourself, son, daughter, loved ones? We would not be infringing on others. Trust me. If medical maijuana was legalized 99% of us would use it as directed. Not giving it away or selling it.
These days, we have to be compassionate and empathetic to others Those of us pushing for the legalization of this product just want to live out the rest of our lives pain free. Please, consider the option. Respectfully submitted.
I’m on MMJ by my dr and have a card from CT and are going to the OBX I cannot have that to use as my daily medication as my stomach prescribed!
Dr* not stomach sorry
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