Before we get into the nitty-gritty, first we must ask (and answer), “What is medical marijuana card reciprocity?” Medical marijuana card reciprocity is when a medical marijuana program in one state recognizes the validity of a medical marijuana card and certificate from another state. It’s essentially a state saying, “Your state’s medical marijuana program and laws are equal to our own.”
This means, if you hold a medical card in one state, you can continue to use medical marijuana when you travel to another state which has reciprocity.
What Rules Are in Place for MMJ Patients from Other States?
Just because a state recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana cards and certificates doesn’t necessarily mean you can go into a dispensary and buy medical cannabis. Yes, some dispensaries do allow this if you ring ahead and ask. Still, more often than not, there are rules in place prohibiting patients from another state from purchasing medical cannabis. What having a valid medical marijuana card does do, however, is give you some level of legal protection under another state’s medical marijuana program.
Here’s a look at what’s allowed for out-of-state MMJ patients under various states’ medical marijuana reciprocity programs, if they have one. We have not included all states — just ones with some form of reciprocity available, where recreational cannabis is legal, and the states where Leafwell offers telehealth services.
Alaska
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 in Alaska.
Arizona
Arizona provides limited reciprocity to those considered “visiting qualifying patients.” To be a visiting qualifying patient, the out-of-state MMJ cardholder must not be a resident of Arizona or have resided in Arizona for less than 30 days. The cardholder must also match Arizona’s qualifying condition and home state. So, if your qualifying condition in your home state doesn’t match Arizona’s, you cannot technically qualify for Arizona’s MMJ card program.
However, recreational cannabis is legal to purchase in Arizona, with a possession limit of up to 2.5 ounces.
Arkansas
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.
California
California doesn’t recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, but visitors to California can apply for a California medical marijuana identification card (MMIC). Recreational cannabis is also legal in California, with a possession limit of up to 1 oz., or 8 grams of concentrate.
Colorado
Colorado residents may apply for the medical marijuana program, and Colorado doesn’t recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards. However, recreational cannabis is legal in Colorado, with a possession limit of 1 ounce.
Illinois
Illinois does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.
Hawaii
As with California, Hawaii allows out-of-state patients to apply for their medical marijuana program instead of recognizing other states’ medical marijuana programs. Those with serious or terminal conditions can get their applications fast-tracked.
Maine
Maine does recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, but patients must register with the Maine MMJ program to access dispensaries. When out-of-state patients register, they have a temporary registration to purchase cannabis from a dispensary legally. The possession limit is 2.5 ounces.
Massachusetts
MA does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana certificates or cards but does allow for recreational sales for those aged 21 or over. Massachusetts does, however, offer reciprocity regarding possession of medical marijuana within the state of Massachusetts, and the possession limit is one ounce.
Michigan
Michigan’s dispensaries can choose whether or not they will recognize an out-of-state medical marijuana card. However, recreational cannabis is legal for those aged 21 or over in Michigan. The possession limit is 2.5 ounces.
Minnesota
Minnesota does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.
Mississippi
There are no laws regarding medical marijuana reciprocity established in Mississippi yet.
Missouri
Reciprocity laws are a little confusing in Missouri. However, Amendment 2, Subsection 5 (1) suggests that reciprocity laws exist. Those with a valid medical marijuana recommendation and card from another state can legally possess the established legal limit of cannabis in Missouri. The possession limit is 4 ounces unless the patient has a second physician’s recommendation stating otherwise.
Montana
Montana recognizes other states’ medical marijuana cards. Dispensaries will check to see if your qualification is valid, that you have a medical marijuana card, and your state ID.
Nevada
Nevada recognizes all other states’ medical marijuana cards.
New Hampshire
If the qualifying condition for your medical marijuana card from your home state matches New Hampshire’s qualifying condition, then New Hampshire will recognize your medical marijuana card. Out-of-state patients may not service New Hampshire dispensaries but may legally possess medical marijuana if they have entered the state with it.
New Jersey
Yes, New Jersey does recognize other states’ medical marijuana cards. Individuals registered as patients under their states’ medical marijuana programs can receive reciprocity, or otherwise be considered qualifying patients, under New Jersey’s medical marijuana program for up to six months while they are visiting the state. Out-of-state medical marijuana patients may also get certified for cannabis by a New Jersey doctor!
Patients are allowed to possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis flower. New Jersey has recently legalized recreational cannabis as well.
New Mexico
Yes, New Mexico recognizes medical marijuana cards from other states, and this is one of the most liberal and relaxed states for out-of-state users.
New York
New York does not recognize other states’ medical marijuana cards or certificates.
Ohio
Ohio does not have medical marijuana reciprocity with other states at this time.
Oklahoma
Yes, Oklahoma does recognize other states’ medical marijuana certificates and identification cards. However, visiting patients must fill out the Temporary Patient Application Information form to legally purchase medical marijuana from an Oklahoma dispensary.
Oregon
Oregon does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis cards. Still, cannabis is legal for recreational use in Oregon, so anyone over 21 can purchase an ounce of pot at retail dispensaries.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, and however, the laws may be slightly different for minor patients. Under Section 2106 of the law, it is not a violation of state law “if a parent or guardian of a minor under 18 years of age lawfully obtains medical marijuana from another state, territory of the United States or any other country to be administered to the minor.”
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico recognizes other states’ medical marijuana cards, and cardholders can purchase from a dispensary legally. Recreational cannabis is not legal in Puerto Rico.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island doesn’t recognize other states’ medical marijuana cards.
Vermont
Vermont does not recognize other states’ medical marijuana cards. However, adults 21 and older who are not patients can possess up to 1 ounce (28 grams) of marijuana or 5 grams of hashish for recreational purposes and grow a maximum of two mature marijuana plants or four immature marijuana plants.
Utah
Visiting medical marijuana patients who meet one of Utah’s qualifying conditions may possess and use medical cannabis per Utah’s legal restrictions. New residents with a valid MMJ card can possess medical cannabis from out of state for 45 days. Longer than this, or those who wish to purchase from a dispensary in Utah, and the patient must apply for a Utah medical cannabis card.
Virginia
Virginia doesn’t recognize other states’ medical marijuana cards.
Washington
Washington does not have medical marijuana reciprocity. However, it is legal for those over 21 with photographic identification to purchase up to one ounce of cannabis.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. recognizes other states’ medical marijuana cards. The possession limit is 1 ounce.
This list may change in the future, and hopefully, more states will recognize other states’ medical marijuana programs.
