The legalization of medical marijuana is becoming more and more common across the United States. As of November 2023, 38 states have legalized medical marijuana, and 19 states have legalized recreational marijuana. With this increase in legality, there has also been an increase in the number of people getting their medical marijuana cards.
However, just because a state has legalized medical marijuana does not mean that it will accept out-of-state medical cards. In fact, there are only a handful of states that currently do. So, if you're planning on traveling with your medical marijuana, it's important to know which states will accept your card.
In this article, we will discuss which states accept out-of-state medical cards in 2024 and why this card is so important.
What are Medical Marijuana Cards (MMC)?
Marijuana has a ton of medical benefits, which helps in the treatment of various diseases and disorders. This is why it is often given to patients suffering from certain ailments.
A Medical Marijuana Card or MMJ card is an identity card that shows that a patient can use marijuana for medical purposes. This card is essential because it is the only way patients can purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries and protects them from legal prosecution.
A medical marijuana card can be used in any state that has legalized medical marijuana. However, some states do not accept out-of-state cards, and this can be very confusing for patients who are traveling or moving to another state.
If you are caught using marijuana medically with an out-of-state card in a state that does not accept them, you can be arrested and charged with possession. This is why it is important to know which states accept out-of-state medical cards before traveling.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card?
The process of getting an MMJ card is different in every state and is not as straightforward as getting other licenses like a driver's license. In some states, the process is as simple as getting a recommendation from your doctor and then applying for the card online.
In other states, the process is more complicated, and you might have to get fingerprinted or undergo a background check. Some states also require that you see a certified marijuana doctor get your card.
However, most states require signing up to the medical marijuana registry, which is a database of all the patients who have been recommended to use medical marijuana.
To get an MMJ card, you will need a recommendation from a certified doctor. Once you have the recommendation, you can apply for the card in your state.
How To Get A Medical Marijuana Card In Washington DC?
The process of getting an MMJ card in Washington DC is pretty simple. All you need is a recommendation from a certified doctor. Once you have the recommendation, you can apply for the card online.
You will need to provide some personal information and pay the application fee. Once your application is approved, you will receive your card in the mail.
You can use your card to purchase medical marijuana from any dispensary in Washington DC.
If you want to learn more about how dispensaries in DC work, check out this guide.
Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Laws
Reciprocity laws allow patients to use their out-of-state medical marijuana cards in other states where cannabis is legal. These laws vary from state to state, and not all states have reciprocity agreements.
A total of 38 US states have legalized medical marijuana. 18 out of these 36 states currently offer medical marijuana program reciprocity for state-licensed medical cannabis ID cardholders (or equivalent). Due to this, there is no generally accepted medical marijuana reciprocity program in the United States.
States That Accept Medical Cards From Other States
Arkansas
Arizona
Hawaii
Louisiana
Maine
Michigan
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Mexico
New Jersey
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Utah
Washington D.C.
West Virginia (terminal cancer patients only)
As mentioned above, some US states allow the use of out-of-state medical marijuana cards. These states have reciprocity agreements with other states that allow the use of medical marijuana.
The following is a list of states that accept out-of-state medical cards:
Arizona
Arizona provides limited reciprocity for those who are considered "visiting qualifying patients." To be considered a qualifying patient, you must have an out-of-state medical cannabis card and live outside of Arizona or have lived in the state for less than 30 days.
Arkansas
Arkansas is also one of the US states that accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Patients with an out-of-state medical cannabis ID card can purchase and possess up to two and a half ounces of marijuana every 14 days.
Hawaii
Hawaii accepts "qualified patients from other states who have been verified and registered in their home state. Out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to purchase and possess up to four ounces of cannabis per 15-day period.
Maine
Maine is another state that has reciprocity agreements with other states. Patients with an out-of-state medical marijuana card can purchase and possess up to two and a half ounces of cannabis strains, 15 plants, and 5g of hash.
Interested in learning about the different types of cannabis? Check out this guide.
Michigan
Michigan is a famous state in the USA with a reciprocity agreement with other states. Individuals of legal age with an out-of-state medical marijuana card can buy and possess the regulated ounces of marijuana from dispensaries.
Nevada
Nevada is also known for its friendly cannabis laws. The state allows out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to purchase up to 1 oz. of usable cannabis, 6 plants, and 3.5 g. hash/concentrates.
New Hampshire
Visitors to the state of New Hampshire can use medical cannabis so long as they have a prescription for a condition that has been approved by the state.
New Mexico
Individuals of legal age (21 years old) have been allowed to buy recreational marijuana from dispensaries since June 29th, 2021. Commercial sales will begin in 2022 officially.
If you have an out-of-state card, you can possess up to 2 oz usable cannabis, 6 plants per person (no more than 12 per household), 16g hash/concentrates, and 800mg edibles.
Oklahoma
Patients with a medical marijuana card from another state who are visiting Oklahoma may purchase a temporary registration for $100.
Rhode Island
Many cannabis lovers say that Rhode Island has the best reciprocity laws. Out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders can possess up to 2.5 oz of usable cannabis; and 12 plants.
Utah
To extend reciprocity, a patient must satisfy one of the state's qualifying conditions. You can learn more about Utah's qualifying conditions here.
Washington DC
Washington DC is famous for its local dispensaries and its lenient reciprocity laws. Individuals of legal age may purchase recreational marijuana from dispensaries.
Want to learn more about how to get weed in DC? You’re in luck! We’ve created a detailed guide on getting weed in DC. Check it out.
States Without Marijuana Reciprocity
Like some states accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, some states do not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
The following is a list of states without reciprocity agreements:
Georgia
Despite the fact that Georgia has authorized medical marijuana, there is still no legal way to acquire it.
Minnesota
Minnesota does not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards. Cannabis possession of less than 42.5 grams (1.5 ounces) is classified as a petty misdemeanor. Drug rehabilitation may be ordered for first-time offenders, but the penalty is a fine of up to $300.
New Jersey
New Jersey is one of the states in the US without a lenient policy when it comes to out-of-state medical marijuana cards. The state does not allow cardholders to purchase or possess cannabis.
New York
Medical marijuana cards and certificates from other states are not recognized in New York, and recreational usage is not permitted.
Ohio
Ohio does not extend reciprocity to its medical marijuana program. Possession of less than 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of cannabis is classified as a minor misdemeanor in Ohio, punishable by a fine of up to $150.
Virginia
Virginia does not recognize out-of-state medical cannabis patients. Marijuana was decriminalized in the state in 2020. The maximum punishment for possessing up to 1 ounce of marijuana is a $25 fine, with no arrest or criminal record recorded.
Pennsylvania
Although the state of Pennsylvania legalized cannabis for medical purposes, its laws are quite strict. Patients who were under the age of 18 used to be able to obtain cannabis in Pennsylvania; however, that legislation appears to have been recently revoked.
Where to Get Premium Quality Cannabis in Washington DC?
Getting weed in DC is as easy as going to your local cannabis shop. However, not all cannabis shops are created equal. The best place to get premium quality cannabis in DC is at The Garden DC.
To view our menu, visit our website and call (202) 815-5663 for questions regarding Initiative 71's Gifting Process or buying weed in DC. For The Garden DC hours, please check our website. Follow us on Instagram to find out more about 420-friendly and Initiative 71-compliant deliveries.