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This page was last updated on December 2024. Please make sure to consult local ordinances and regulations to ensure you comply with the local laws and regulations.

I. INTRODUCTION

Even though most states permit the medical use of cannabis in some form, and many allow cannabis use for adults 21 and older, traveling remains a challenge for patients, especially for those who require uninterrupted access to cannabis treatments. Cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, and the rights and privileges for medical cannabis patients vary from state to state. Because cannabis products cannot be legally taken out of the state where they were purchased, patients who travel for work or pleasure must navigate the laws, regulations, and markets in unfamiliar jurisdictions.

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is working to pass federal laws that would remove these state-by-state barriers for patients. Until we are successful in these efforts, we want patients who are traveling to safely reach their destination and access medical cannabis (if possible) when they arrive. ASA has created The Medical Cannabis Patient’s Guide for U.S. Travel to provide patients with the information to make informed decisions and evaluate risks when traveling.

If you believe that patients should have the right to medical cannabis no matter where they live or travel, please join ASA in our efforts by becoming a member or by signing up for updates and alerts.

PLEASE SHARE THIS GUIDE WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY

II. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: HELPFUL TIPS FOR SAFE TRAVEL

Before traveling, it is important to familiarize yourself with the most up-to-date laws and regulations for the state(s) you will be visiting, your rights in general, and where to find the products you will need when you arrive.

TIPS FOR TRAVEL

  • Familiarize yourself with the most up-to-date laws and regulations for the state(s) you will be visiting. Some states require visiting patients to register up to 30 days in advance to receive protection and access to medical cannabis from dispensaries.
  • Familiarize yourself with laws and company rules around traveling with cannabis.
  • Maintain a current doctor's recommendation.
  • Thoroughly search all of your belongings for cannabis products to prevent surprises while traveling.
  • Always keep your medical cannabis ID card and/or a copy of your doctor’s recommendation current and on your person. Also, keep copies of your current doctor’s recommendation and/or a copy of your medical cannabis ID card in your luggage when traveling.
  • Contact the access outlets legally available to you before travel to determine where appropriate cultivars and products can be obtained.
  • Choose a medical cannabis business if possible. While some states that extend reciprocity to visiting medical cannabis patients may also have adult-use programs where patients can also purchase cannabis products, the adult-use outlets include higher sales tax, lower purchase limits, and may not have staff that can assist patients with their specific needs.
  • If traveling with CBD or hemp-derived cannabis products, bring documentation that supports their hemp origin.
  • At your destination, travel with cannabis products in the trunk of your car; the sight or odor of cannabis can trigger a DUI investigation. DUI penalties are steep and often hard to disprove.
  • The best law enforcement encounter is the one that you never have!

TRANSPORTING OR SHIPPING CANNABIS:

Cannabis products cannot legally be transported out of the state where they were obtained; traveling or shipping cannabis across state lines with any amount of cannabis is a federal crime, and several of the states with cannabis access laws have explicitly outlawed the importation and/or exportation of cannabis. While the probability of arrest by federal law enforcement officers may be low and federal prosecutions for possession are rare, transporting or shipping cannabis across state lines could trigger drug trafficking charges, which carry severe penalties: face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for a first offense or double those amounts for a second offense.

SAFEGUARDING YOUR RIGHTS:

Even though your cannabis possession and consumption are legal under state law, you still have the right to be free of unlawful search and seizures. But the only way to maintain this right is to exercise it! A medical cannabis patient who has been stopped by the police should never give them permission to conduct a search. If officers try to search a patient’s car or belongings, the patient should loudly and clearly state: “I do not consent to a search.” This may not stop the police from conducting a search, but if the search is illegal, any evidence resulting from it may be inadmissible in court. If the search is consented to, any evidence it uncovers would be admissible. While patients should not consent to a search, they also should not physically resist officers in any way, even if the search is illegal. Doing so may result in charges of resisting arrest or assault on a police officer and/or may lead to the patient’s injury or death. If the police conduct a search over a patient’s objections, the patient should continue to state "I do not consent to this search" loudly enough for the officers and all witnesses to hear. (This does not apply to TSA for air travel.)

Information on rights as a patient, existing federal laws, avoiding law enforcement encounters, preparing for law enforcement encounters, and navigating the legal system after an encounter are available at https://www.safeaccessnow.org/knowing_your_rights.

 III. RECIPROCITY & VISITING MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENT’S RIGHTS & PRIVILEGES

Medical cannabis programs in Arizona, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Nevada, South Dakota, & Rhode Island include reciprocity measures for visiting patients. Reciprocity refers to laws providing some measure of legal protection for non-resident medical cannabis patients and are especially important for traveling patients who are seeking specialty treatments outside of their home state, and patients who need to stay in the care of friends or family out of state.

The extent of the rights and privileges granted through these programs vary from state to state and require that patients at a minimum to bring documentation of their status in their home state’s program, such as their medical cannabis card when visiting.

  • Missouri, New Hampshire, & Arizona recognize patients right to possess but do not allow patients to utilize dispensaries to obtain cannabis when visiting.
  • The District of Columbia, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, & Rhode Island extend the full rights granted to resident patients including purchasing cannabis products from dispensaries with their resident state medical cannabis ID
  • Arkansas, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Mississippi, & South Dakota require visiting patients to register through the state cannabis regulatory authority before arriving which can take up to 30 days for approval. Approved patients will be granted full rights of the program including purchasing from cannabis products from dispensaries.

It is important for patients to know not only where and how they can legally access cannabis while traveling but also how much they possess and where they can legally consume. For more information on each state, links to registration programs, and lists of medical cannabis facilities, see the section “VISITING PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS BY JURISDICTION”

IV. FINDING MEDICINE IN ADULT-USE MARKETS

Patients traveling to states that permit the adult-use of cannabis but do not extend reciprocity to non-resident patients may have to obtain cannabis from an adult-use retail outlet. Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota,  Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont & Washington allow anyone who is 21 & older with valid ID to legally possess, consume and purchase cannabis from licensed retailers. 

If you are planning to utilize these programs for accessing your medicine when traveling be advised:

  • There are no legal protections or access options for minors under these programs
  • While some adult-use retail centers cater more to patients than others, patients with specific needs should do research before traveling to find the products they need by contacting licensed retail outlets before arriving.
  • Every state has different possession and purchasing allowances.
  • Many states have specific regulations pertaining to where it is legal to consume cannabis.

 See “VISITING PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS BY JURISDICTION” for lists of licensed facilities & rules & regulations by state

V. PRODUCT SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

 Mold, E. Coli, Salmonella, & Aspergillus, as well as pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, additives, & adulterants, are commonly found in cannabis. These contaminants can have serious health impacts, particularly for individuals with compromised immune systems, pediatric patients, or elderly patients.

Cannabis products sold through licensed producers are subject to state regulations that safeguard patients to some extent. CBD & "Hemp-Derived" products sold in retail environments such as gas stations, corner stores, online, or even pharmacies have no regulatory oversight. Consumers should use caution before consuming products from these markets.

In some instances, online & retail stores selling cannabis products pose as state-licensed businesses. If you're uncertain about a store's legitimacy look it up with the state’s cannabis licensing authority by going to their websites or see VISITING PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS BY JURISDICTION” for lists of licensed facilities by state.

Not all state product safety programs are equal. Patients accessing cannabis products in WA, OR, IL, MD, ME, MA, RI, & NJ, especially those patients with compromised immune systems or organ transplants should be aware that these states do not require testing for Aspergillus.

In addition, patients accessing medical cannabis edible products, especially multi-dose products should be aware that only AK, CA, CO, MD, ME, MI, MS, NM & NV require homogeneity testing. This means that products sold in other markets may have an uneven distribution of cannabinoids in multi-dose products causing a single dose to have a greater effect than is specified on the label.

Product safety testing and labeling requirements vary from state to state, and one state may have different testing requirements for adult-use and medical cannabis products. Appropriate certifications from an independent oversight body, such as ASA’s Patient Focused Certification, can help patients identify companies that voluntarily subject themselves to robust oversight and products that are well-made and accurately labeled. A list of PFC-certified companies is available at https://patientfocusedcertification.org/companies.

VI. PLANES, TRAINS, & AUTOMOBILES

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows the transport of prescribed, FDA-approved cannabis products (e.g. Epidiolex) as well as the transport of CBD products manufactured pursuant to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, which is also known as the 2018 Farm Bill. Products that fall into the latter category must be made from industrial hemp, which cannot contain more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). ASA strongly encourages patients to avoid flying with cannabis-derived products that were not made from industrial hemp unless they have a prescription for an FDA-approved product.

The TSA’s screening procedures are focused on detecting security threats to aviation and passengers. While TSA agents do not actively search for cannabis or other drugs, they are required to report the discovery of such substances to law enforcement.1 Some major airports have cannabis “amnesty boxes” where patients can dispose of any cannabis remaining in their possession before boarding their flights. In the absence of such amnesty boxes, patients may wish to discreetly dispose of any remaining cannabis in a trash can before undergoing security screening.

Some airlines, including Delta and American, have created specific policies prohibiting the transport of cannabis on their aircraft while acknowledging that a growing number of states have legalized cannabis for medical and/or recreational use.2,3 Patients may wish to check their airlines’ baggage policies for any cannabis-specific information.

Operators of other popular forms of transportation have also created restrictive policies regarding cannabis. Amtrak bans “the use or transportation of marijuana in any form for any purpose… even in states or countries where recreational use is legal or permitted medically.”4 Greyhound’s policy prohibits “alcohol, drugs, or weapons anywhere on the bus (including in your checked baggage).”5 Patients should check their carriers’ policies for more information.

Popular ridesharing companies safeguard themselves in fine print for example Uber states that using its app “to commit any crime - such as transporting drugs… or to violate any other law is strictly prohibited.  It is important to remember that rideshare drivers are using their personal vehicles and that some may object to the smell of cannabis in their car. To be respectful of the driver and his or her vehicle, patients are encouraged to explore scent-reducing or -eliminating storage and transportation solutions.

Patients should never drive under the influence of any substance that may negatively impact their driving ability, including cannabis. Patients who intend to drive while in possession of cannabis should make sure their vehicle registration, driver’s license, and license plates are unexpired, that all lights (including turn signals) are operational, and should observe basic rules of the road when driving to minimize the potential for interaction with law enforcement. When driving, patients should keep cannabis locked in the trunk. In some states where cannabis is legal, driving with cannabis that is stored anywhere other than in the trunk - including in a locked glove compartment - is illegal.

VII. VISITING PATIENT ACCESS TO MEDICAL CANNABIS BY JURISDICTION

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: CANNABIS PROGRAMS STATE-BY-STATE

  • Links to applications for visiting medical patients where required.
  • Possession and purchase limits for each state.
  • Where cannabis can be legally consumed.
  • Licensed cannabis facilities by state.

Alaska’s medical cannabis law does not contain provisions for dispensaries, but the 2015 adult-use legalization of cannabis in the state has resulted in the creation of a regulated sales system that serves adult residents and visitors alike. Visiting patients who are 21 years of age or older with a valid and current state-issued identification such as a driver's license can obtain cannabis from a retail dispensary. Unfortunately, this leaves the needs of visiting minor patients unaddressed. Alaska prohibits all public use of cannabis (not just smoking), including the use of cannabis in schools and universities, amusement venues, businesses, parks, playgrounds, sidewalks, or roads, just to name a few. Patients should travel with their current and valid medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) issued by their home state in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz of usable cannabis
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz of usable cannabis

Retail outlets are licensed by the Alaska Marijuana Control Board: find and verify AK cannabis businesses.

Arizona recognizes valid medical cannabis ID cards or their equivalent from other medical cannabis states, permitting a patient to possess and consume cannabis & cannabis products but does not allow them to purchase them from medical cannabis dispensaries. However, individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Public consumption of cannabis edibles is authorized but smoking cannabis in any public place is prohibited by law.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz cannabis flower 5 g hash/concentrates
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz cannabis flower 5 g hash/concentrates
  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of usable cannabis 

Retail outlets are licensed by the Arizona Department of Health: find and verify AZ cannabis businesses.

Patients with a valid medical cannabis ID card or its equivalent from their home state who have a medical condition recognized by Arkansas law are eligible to participate in Arkansas’ medical cannabis program but must obtain a Visitors Medical cannabis ID . Visiting patients must fill out the visiting patient application and pay a non-refundable $50.00 fee to get a Visitors ID, this process will take a minimum of 14 days.  (Visiting patients who do not have a qualifying condition that has been approved in Arkansas will not be able to secure legal access) .

Once their applications have been approved, visiting patients can obtain cannabis in the state’s dispensaries if they show their AR registry card or its equivalent from their home state. The dispensary will retain a copy of the card as well as a second form of ID, such as a driver’s license, and will require visiting patients to sign a form affirming that they have been diagnosed by a healthcare provider to have a qualifying condition. Visiting patients should be aware that Arkansas law prohibits the smoking of cannabis in any public place.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of usable cannabis per 14 days
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz of usable cannabis per 14 days

Retail outlets are licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health: find and verify AR cannabis businesses.

California has both medical and adult use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Visiting patients should be aware that California law prohibits the smoking of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz of dried flower or 8g of concentrate
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz of dried flower or 8g of concentrate may be purchased from retail dispensaries per day by those aged 21 or over

Retail outlets are licensed by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC): find & verify CA cannabis businesses.

Colorado has legalized the adult-use of cannabis, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only. While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Visiting patients should be aware that Colorado law prohibits the smoking of cannabis in any public place, specifically including sidewalks, or at public or amusement parks, ski resorts, concert venues, businesses, bars, and restaurants, common areas of apartment buildings or condominiums and federal lands).

  • Adult use Possession limit: 1 oz of dried flower, 8g of cannabis concentrate, or 800mg of cannabis edibles
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz of dried flower, 8g of cannabis concentrate, or 800mg of cannabis edibles may be purchased from retail dispensaries per day by those aged 21 or over

Retail outlets are licensed by the Colorado Department of Revenue: find and verify CO cannabis businesses.

Connecticut has both medical and adult use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 5 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent or up to 5 oz in a locked container.
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1/4 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent per transaction

Retail outlets are licensed by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection: find and verify CT cannabis businesses.

Delaware’s medical cannabis program does not recognize medical cannabis cards from other states, but individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older with a current and valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may legally possess cannabis (they will be able purchase from adult use market when retail stores open). Unfortunately, this excludes protections for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit:1 oz of cannabis flower, 12 grams or less of concentrated cannabis or cannabis products.
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A

The District of Columbia extends reciprocity to patients from any state that issues medical cannabis cards or their equivalents (VA patients can show a letter from their doctor) . Visiting patients must present current and valid medical cannabis cards (or their equivalents) and another form of photo ID from their home state at any of DC’s licensed medical dispensaries in order to purchase cannabis. Note that dispensaries will not be permitted to dispense medical cannabis to visiting patients if the DC Department of Health determines that there is a shortage of medical cannabis or if the real-time electronic records system is inactive. Visiting patients should be aware that District of Columbia law prohibits the smoking of cannabis in any public place.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 4 oz of dried flower or its equivalent when sold in any other form
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 4 oz of dried flower or its equivalent per 30 days

Retail outlets are licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Administration: verify DC cannabis businesses.

NOTE: As of December 2023, no products in the DC market are tested at labs.

Guam legalized medical cannabis in 2014 and the adult-use of cannabis in 2019, however, dispensaries are not yet operational in this U.S. territory. Guam removed residency requirements in 2018 permitting visiting patients to possess and use medical cannabis. Visiting patients may register with Guam's Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPHSS) by obtaining a written certification from a Guamanian healthcare practitioner, completing a qualified patient registration form, and paying the $15 registration fee. Cards will not be required to participate in the program. Once registered visiting patients may possess 2.5 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent of authorized extract products. However, with no legal retailers to patronize, Guam's reciprocity system authorizes only adult patients who are 21 years of age or older and seeking legal access to cannabis to obtain it from securing gifted cannabis (selling cannabis is currently prohibited in Guam) from Guamanian cannabis home cultivators. Guam does not permit visiting minors to legally obtain access to cannabis or cannabis products. Visiting patients should be aware that Guam law prohibits the smoking of cannabis in any public place.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of dried cannabis or its THC product equivalent
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: Once dispensaries are operational, 2.5 oz of dried cannabis or its THC product equivalent per 14 -day period unless a higher amount is approved by the recommending physician

Hawaii provides a comprehensive online application process for out-of-state patients who are certified in their home state as having a debilitating medical condition as defined in Hawaii State Law to obtain a Hawaii 329 Registration Card, which grants access to medical cannabis dispensaries. A visiting patient who wishes to obtain a 329 card must submit his or her valid, unexpired medical cannabis card from their home state and an additional form of state-government-issued ID from the same state (e.g. a driver’s license), bearing the same name as, the medical cannabis card. If the out-of-state card does not have an expiration date, the patient will be required to submit additional documentation. Unlike some other states, Hawaii will not accept a medical cannabis certification/recommendation in lieu of a medical cannabis card. Note that passports and military ID cards are not accepted forms of ID for the purposes of obtaining a 329 card. Visiting patients should be aware that Hawaii law prohibits the smoking of cannabis in any public place.

Hawaii 329 Registration Cards for out-of-state patients are valid for 60 days, and the patient may apply for a 329 card up to 60 days before the requested start date. Visiting patients are limited to two 60-day terms per calendar year, and there is a non-refundable fee of $49.50 per application.

The Hawaii Department of Health has put together an instructional video and a checklist for visiting patients and urges visiting patients to ensure that the island they are traveling to has a dispensary with the products they need, as traveling between islands could involve crossing a federal waterway. This should be done prior to applying.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 4 oz of usable cannabis or its equivalent
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 4 oz of usable cannabis or its equivalent per 15-day period

Retail outlets are licensed by the Hawaii State Department of Health; find and verify HI cannabis businesses.

Illinois has both medical and adult use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Illinois prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 15g of cannabis flower, 250 mg of THC-infused edible cannabis products, and 2.5g of concentrated cannabis product
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 15g of cannabis flower, 250 mg of THC-infused edible cannabis products, or 2.5g of concentrated cannabis product

Retail outlets are licensed by Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Oversight Officer: find and verify IL cannabis businesses.

Medical cannabis patients from the states to which Maine extends reciprocity may use their current and valid home-state patient ID cards and a current and valid photo identification such as a driver’s license to purchase cannabis through Maine’s medical program. Maine also allows out-of-state adults who are 21 years of age or older with a current government identification issued by their home state to purchase and possess cannabis in Maine. Consumption of cannabis in any public place is prohibited in Maine.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of harvested cannabis in a 15-day period
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz of usable cannabis, cannabis products, or a combination thereof every 15 days

Retail outlets are licensed by the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy: find and verify ME cannabis businesses.

Maryland has both medical and adult-use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1.5 oz of cannabis flower or 12 g of cannabis concentrates
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1.5 oz of cannabis flower or 12 g of cannabis concentrates

Retail outlets are licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration: find and verify MD cannabis businesses.

Massachusetts has both medical and adult-use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Massachusetts prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz of cannabis flower not more than 5g may be in the form of a cannabis concentrate
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz of cannabis or 5g of cannabis concentrate may be purchased from retail dispensaries per day

Retail outlets are licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission: find and verify MA  cannabis businesses.

Michigan’s reciprocity program permits visiting patients to purchase, possess, and consume medical cannabis. To secure access, patients must provide a current and valid medical cannabis identification card issued by their home state and a current government-issued identification card from the same home state to a licensed cannabis retailer. Out-of-state adults who are 21 years of age or older with a current government identification issued by their home state may purchase and possess cannabis in Michigan. Michigan prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of cannabis flower or 15 g concentrates
  • Adult Use. Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz of cannabis flower or 15 g concentrates
  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent 
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz of cannabis flower per day, not to exceed 10 oz per month

Retail outlets are licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency: find and verify MI cannabis businesses.

Minnesota’s medical cannabis program does not recognize medical cannabis cards from other states, but individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older with a current and valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may legally possess cannabis (they will be able purchase from adult use market when retail stores open). Unfortunately, this excludes protections for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Minnesota prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 2 oz of cannabis flower, 800 mg of THC in edibles, or 8 g of concentrates
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A

Retail outlets are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health: find and  verify MN cannabis businesses.

Mississippi does not have a dedicated reciprocity program, however, non-residents can get a temporary medical cannabis card that is valid for 15 days by registering with the state if they have a qualifying medical condition recognized by the Mississippi program.  Registration must be submitted at least 30 days prior visit. under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program (MMCP). ASA recommends that visiting patients adhere to all state laws pertaining to cannabis possession, use and sale, which is currently prohibited. Visiting patients are still encouraged to travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Licensed retail facilities are listed with the Mississippi Department of Health 

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 3.5 oz of medical cannabis flower or its equivalent
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 6  Mississippi Medical Cannabis Equivalency Units (MMCEUs) a week which includes 3.5 grams of medical cannabis flower, 1 gram of medical cannabis concentrate; or 100 milligrams of THC in an infused product & 24 a month approx. 3 oz

Retail outlets are licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health: find and verify MI cannabis businesses.

Missouri recognizes valid medical cannabis ID cards or their equivalent from other medical cannabis states, permitting a patient to possess and consume cannabis & cannabis products but does not allow them to purchase them from medical cannabis dispensaries. However, individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Visiting patients are advised that Missouri prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 3 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 3 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent

Retail outlets are licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: find and verify MO cannabis businesses.

Montana has both medical and adult use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Montana prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult use Possession Limit: 1 oz of cannabis flower or 8 grams of cannabis concentrate; 800 mg of THC-infused cannabis products or edibles
  • Adult use Purchase Limit: 1 oz of cannabis flower or 8 grams of cannabis concentrate; 800 mg of THC-infused cannabis products or edibles

Retail outlets are licensed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: find and verify MT cannabis businesses.

Nevada allows reciprocity through its medical program and also permits the adult use of cannabis for visitors who are at least 21 years of age with a current and valid state-issued identification such as a driver's license. Non-resident patients may use their current and valid home-state medical cannabis cards and photo IDs to purchase medical cannabis from Nevada dispensaries. The purchase and possession limits are higher for medical patients than for other adult consumers of cannabis. Nevada prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz cannabis flower (increases to 2.5 January 2024) & 3.5 g hash/concentrates
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz cannabis flower (increases to 2.5 January 2024) & 3.5 g hash/concentrates
  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of cannabis flower per 14-day period and an amount of edible cannabis products and cannabis-infused products that is equivalent to 2.5 oz of usable cannabis
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz of cannabis flower per 14-day period and an amount of edible cannabis products and cannabis-infused products that is equivalent to 2.5 oz of usable cannabis

Retail outlets are licensed by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board: find and verify NV cannabis businesses.

Patients visiting New Hampshire from another state may possess cannabis but are unable to purchase it in the state’s dispensaries. To benefit from New Hampshire’s medical cannabis law, the visiting qualifying patient must provide a current and valid registry ID card (or its equivalent) from their home state and a statement from their healthcare provider stating that the patient has a qualifying condition that is recognized by New Hampshire law. The visiting patient provisions only apply to those who are not residents or to residents who have been in the state for fewer than 30 days. Visiting patients cannot receive cannabis via the state’s gifting provisions or purchase cannabis from medical cannabis dispensaries.  New Hampshire prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2 oz of cannabis flower
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: Visiting patients are not allowed to purchase

 

New Jersey has both medical and adult use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, but patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. New Jeresey prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

. New Jersey prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz cannabis flower or its equivalent
  • Adult Use. Purchase Limit: I oz cannabis flower or its equivalent

Retail outlets are licensed by New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission: verify NJ cannabis businesses.

New Mexico’s reciprocity program permits visiting patients to purchase, possess, and consume medical cannabis. To secure access, patients must provide a current and valid medical cannabis identification card issued by their home state and a current government-issued identification card from the same home state to a licensed cannabis retailer. Out-of-state adults who are 21 years of age or older with a current government identification issued by their home state may purchase and possess cannabis. Visiting patients are not required to pay a fee to legally participate in the state’s reciprocity program. New Mexico prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 2 oz of cannabis flower, 16 g concentrate, 800 milligrams of edible cannabis.
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 2 oz of cannabis flower, 16 g concentrate, 800 milligrams of edible cannabis.
  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: Up to 15 oz of cannabis flower or equivalent during a 90 day period  
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: Up to 15 oz of cannabis flower or equivalent during a 90 day period  

Retail outlets are licensed by the New Mexico Department of Health: find and verify NM cannabis businesses.

New York has both medical and adult-use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 3 oz of cannabis flower or 24 g concentrates.
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 3 oz of cannabis flower or 24 g concentrates.

Retail outlets are licensed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management: verify NY cannabis businesses.

Ohio’s medical cannabis program does not recognize medical cannabis cards from other states, but individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older with a current and valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may legally possess cannabis (they will be able purchase from adult use market when retail stores open). Unfortunately, this excludes protections for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement

  • Adult Use Possession Limit:5 oz of cannabis flower
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A

Oklahoma offers temporary patient licenses for both minor and adult visiting patients. The temporary licenses are valid for 30 days and may be renewed, but the expiration date of the temporary license cannot be later than the expiration date of the patient’s medical cannabis ID card. To obtain a temporary ID card, a patient must submit a current and valid digital color copy of their home-state medical cannabis card and a current and valid digital color copy of their home-state driver's license, or passport, or state-issued ID. The visiting patient also must submit a passport-style photograph and pay a non-refundable $100 application fee by credit or debit card. The processing of a temporary patient license application can take up to 14 days, so it is important for travelers to plan ahead. Oklahoma prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

Detailed instructions for obtaining a temporary card are available on the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority’s website.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 3 oz of cannabis flower; 1 oz of cannabis concentrate; and 72 oz of cannabis edibles
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 3 oz of cannabis flower, 1 oz of cannabis concentrate, and 72 oz of cannabis-infused products in a single transaction

Retail outlets are licensed by Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority: verify OK cannabis businesses.

Oregon has both medical and adult use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement. Oregon prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult use Possession Limit: 1 oz of usable cannabis on their person in public, 8 oz of usable cannabis in their home, 16 oz of a cannabinoid product in solid form, 72 oz of a cannabinoid product in liquid form, 5g of cannabinoid extracts or concentrates (whether sold alone or contained in an inhalant delivery system
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz of usable cannabis, 16 oz of a cannabinoid product in solid form, 72 oz of a cannabinoid product in liquid form, 5g of cannabinoid extracts or concentrates (whether sold alone or contained in an inhalant delivery system), may be purchased from retail dispensaries per day by those aged 21 or over

Retail outlets are licensed by Oregon Health Authority: verify OR cannabis businesses.

Puerto Rico extends reciprocity to medical cannabis patients with unexpired medical cannabis recommendations and medical cannabis ID cards from U.S. states for up to 30 days as long as those states maintain a database that allows verification of patient status and makes such information available to Puerto Rican authorities and dispensaries. Puerto Rico does not impose a residency requirement for qualifying patients, meaning that non-resident patients may obtain a Puerto Rican medical cannabis card by visiting an authorized healthcare provider, completing the application process, and paying $25. Given that reciprocity is only extended for up to 30 days, non-resident patients who need access to medical cannabis beyond that period must be certified as qualified patients under the laws and regulations of Puerto Rico.

Visitors to Puerto Rico from foreign states or U.S. states where no medical cannabis identification is issued may apply for a Puerto Rican medical cannabis card after visiting an authorized healthcare provider. If the applicant qualifies as a medical cannabis patient, the applicant’s medical cannabis card will be valid for a maximum duration of 30 days.

The act of smoking cannabis is strictly forbidden, even for medical patients, and while other inhalable products are available, vaporizing cannabis flowers (buds) is only authorized if the patient’s healthcare provider has determined that vaporization is the ideal method of administration, if the healthcare provider has determined that no other suitable alternatives or adequate treatments exist, or if the patient has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Puerto Rico also prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place, and dispensaries are prohibited from supplying cannabis flowers to any patient whose medical cannabis recommendation does not explicitly authorize the vaporization of cannabis floral material.

It is unclear as to whether non-resident patients would be able to obtain cannabis flowers without first obtaining a Puerto Rican medical cannabis card. Non-resident patients who are unwilling or unable to obtain a Puerto Rican medical cannabis card and who rely on access to cannabis flowers are advised to obtain a note to that effect from their healthcare provider to present to dispensary staff along with a copy of their medical cannabis recommendation and home-state medical cannabis card in case the note would constitute sufficient documentation for the dispensing of cannabis flowers. Puerto Rico defines one ounce of cannabis flower as being equivalent to eight grams of THC in concentrate form or 800 milligrams of THC in edible products. or a list of qualifying conditions that Puerto Rico authorizes legal cannabis possession and use of visit the Department of Health's website.

  • Resident Patient Possession Limit: 30-day supply
  • Resident Patient Purchase Limit: 1 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent per day
  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 30-day supply
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 1 oz of cannabis flower or its equivalent per day

Rhode Island extends reciprocity to patients from any state that issues medical cannabis cards or their equivalents. Visiting patients may access Rhode Island’s compassion centers (dispensaries) with their home-state medical cannabis cards and another form of photo ID issued by their home state such as a driver’s license. Out-of-state patients will be required to complete a Compassion Center intake form to be entered into the Compassion Center’s tracking system, however, the state does not require a fee to participate in the program.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz of dried usable cannabis, 12.5 oz of wet cannabis
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz of usable cannabis or its equivalent during a 15-day period

Retail outlets are licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health: verify RI cannabis businesses.

Patients with a valid medical cannabis ID card or its equivalent from their home state can register with the South Dakota Department of Health to receive legal protections and purchase cannabis from retail outlets. This process will take a minimum of 30 days and includes non-refundable $50.00 fee. Once their applications have been approved, visiting patients can obtain cannabis in the state’s dispensaries. Visiting patients should be aware that South Dakota law prohibits the smoking of cannabis in any public place.

  • Visiting Patient Possession Limit:  3 oz cannabis flower or its equivalent every 14 days
  • Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 3 oz cannabis flower or its equivalent every 14 days

Retail outlets are licensed by the South Dakota Department of Health: verify SD cannabis businesses.

Washington has both medical and adult-use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, but patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement Washington prohibits the consumption of cannabis in any public place.

  • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz of cannabis flower, 16 oz of cannabis-infused product in solid form, 72 oz of cannabis-infused product in liquid form, or 7g of cannabis concentrate
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz of cannabis flower  16 oz of cannabis-infused product in solid form, 72 oz of cannabis-infused product in liquid form, or 7g of cannabis concentrate may be purchased by those aged 21 or over

Retail outlets are licensed by the Washington State Department of Health: verify WA cannabis businesses. 

  • Vermont has both medical and adult use cannabis programs, but its medical cannabis program is limited to residents only.  While visiting patients cannot utilize the medical cannabis dispensaries, but patients who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license may purchase cannabis at the adult-use licensed retail outlets. Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement.

    • Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz  cannabis flower or its equivalent
    • Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz cannabis flower or its equivalent

    Retail outlets are licensed by Vermont Cannabis Control Board: verify VT cannabis businesses.

Virginia’s medical cannabis program does not recognize medical cannabis cards from other states, but individuals who are at least 21 years of age or older with a valid state-issued identification from their home state such as a driver’s license, may legally possess cannabis (they will be able purchase from adult use market when retail stores open). Unfortunately, this excludes access for visiting minors. Patients, especially minors should travel with their medical cannabis ID cards (or their equivalents) in case of any potential interaction with law enforcement

  • Adult Use Possession Limit:1 oz of cannabis flower
  • Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A

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