Medical marijuana has emerged as a life-changing and revolutionary treatment for thousands of patients around the country. Although medical marijuana has become legalized in 37 states, there is still a great deal of confusion surrounding the ability to use a medical marijuana prescription when traveling. One of the most frequently asked questions is if a patient’s Florida medical marijuana card will work in other states, as patients want the option to bring their medical marijuana card with them wherever they go.
It’s important to know that some states will honor a patient’s out-of-state medical card, but in Florida, only Floridians can buy and possess medical marijuana. However, Floridians may use their medical marijuana card in some other states under certain guidelines.
Which States Accept Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Cards?
As of May 2022, the following states and territories have implemented a comprehensive state medical marijuana programs:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Guam
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
Comprehensive medical cannabis programs fall under the following criteria:
- Protection from criminal penalties for using cannabis
- Access to cannabis through home cultivation, dispensaries, or another system
- Allows a variety of strains or products, regardless of THC content
- Enables smoking or vaporization of different cannabis products, including plant material or extracts
- Is not a limited trial program
There are also 11 states with medical cannabis programs that have approved the use of low THC, high CBD products for medical reasons in limited situations or as a legal defense. These states include:
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
States and Territories that Will Accept a Florida Medical Marijuana Card
- Arkansas
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Although only a handful of states currently accept an out-of-state medical marijuana card, there are multiple states that offer medical marijuana reciprocity, which is the term used to describe the practice of one state recognizing another state’s medical marijuana laws. As a result, there are states where you may be able to purchase marijuana, even if you have an out-of-state card.
Medical Marijuana Reciprocity By State
Let’s take a look at some of the specific laws that each state has implemented:
Alaska
Although Alaska does not accept out-of-state cards, recreational marijuana is legal in Alaska, meaning you will be able to purchase up to one ounce of marijuana if you are over the age of 21.
Arizona
Arizona offers limited reciprocity for “visiting qualifying patients” who have an out-of-state medical cannabis card and live outside Arizona. However, you must have lived in Arizona for less than 30 days, and you need to be approved for a condition that meets Arizona’s medical card criteria. Some conditions that fall under Arizona’s criteria include:
- Glaucoma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Severe and chronic pain
- Hepatitis C
- Severe or persistent muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Cancer
California
In California, both recreational and medical cannabis are available to anyone over the age of 21 with a valid government-issued ID. Currently, you may be in possession of up to 28.5 grams of cannabis flower or up to eight grams of cannabis concentrate.
Colorado
Similar to California, visitors to Colorado over 21 years old are able to purchase cannabis if they have a valid government-issued ID. In Colorado, you may possess up to two ounces of marijuana.
Illinois
Illinois has also legalized recreational cannabis for individuals 21 and older. In Illinois, it’s important to note that non-residents are only permitted to possess half of what residents are allowed. If you are a Florida resident visiting Illinois, you may have up to 15 grams of cannabis, up to 250mg of THC-infused products, or up to 2.5 grams of cannabis concentrate.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts is another state where recreational cannabis is legal for those over the age of 21 with a valid government-issued ID. You may possess up to one ounce of cannabis flower or up to five grams of cannabis concentrate.
Michigan
In Michigan, recreational marijuana has been legal since 2018. You are permitted to possess ten ounces in a residence or up to 2.5 ounces while traveling in the state.
Montana
As of January 1, 2021, recreational marijuana is also legal in the state of Montana. Adult sales began in January 2022, and those over 21 years old with a valid government-issued ID can purchase, grow, or use up to one ounce of cannabis.
New Jersey
Although New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in 2020, recreational sales did not begin until April 21, 2022. Under New Jersey laws, customers over 21 are able to legally buy up to:
- One ounce of cannabis flower
- Five grams of concentrates, resins, or oils
- Ten packages of 100-milligram edibles
Oregon
In Oregon, anyone over the age of 21 with a valid government-issued ID is able to purchase cannabis. The possession limits include up to:
- One ounce of cannabis flower
- 16 ounces of infused edibles
- 72 ounces of infused liquid
- One ounce of cannabis concentrate
- 16 ounces of cannabis topicals
Vermont
Vermont legalized marijuana for recreational use in 2018. Although they do not accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, any adult over 21 with a valid government-issued ID can purchase cannabis up to one ounce of cannabis.
Washington
Washington is another state that has legalized cannabis for recreational use. Washington state law permits adults over 21 to have up to:
- One ounce of cannabis flower
- 16 ounces of infused edibles
- 72 ounces of infused liquids
- Seven grams of concentrates
Tips to Keep in Mind When Seeking Medical Marijuana Treatment in Other States
When seeking out medical marijuana treatment in another state besides Florida, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- In all cases, it is illegal at the federal level to carry medical marijuana products across state lines.
- While it may be legal to carry medical marijuana in the above states, individual dispensaries can decide against selling to out-of-state patients. It is best to confirm with the dispensary ahead of time to ensure you can purchase your medical marijuana with an out-of-state card.
- Not all of the above states will allow you to purchase medical marijuana with an out-of-state card, but they will not prosecute you for possession.
- In some states where recreational marijuana is legal, such as California, Colorado, or Nevada, patients will not have to show their medical card unless they are under 21 years old.
- Always check the individual laws of the state you are traveling to regarding their regulations for out-of-state medical marijuana patients.
Get Your Florida Medical Marijuana ID Card
At MMTCFL, we can determine if you are eligible for medical marijuana and help you get your medical marijuana registration card. Get started with medical marijuana today by taking our online eligibility survey.
*Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Always check the specific laws of the states where you are traveling to and from.
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