States That Accept Out-Of-State Medical Cards [2024 List]

If you're traveling and need marijuana while on the road, you might be wondering if your home state's medical marijuana card will work in another state.

The short answer is that it depends on the state. Some states have reciprocity agreements with other states and will accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, while others do not. And still, others have legalized cannabis only for medical use, so even if you have a valid out-of-state medical marijuana card, you would not be able to purchase cannabis recreationally.

To help clear up the confusion, we've put together a list of states that accept out-of-state medical cards in 2024 and states where medical and recreational marijuana is illegal.

What is Medical Marijuana Card?

A medical marijuana card is a state-issued I.D. that allows a person to purchase, possess, and consume cannabis for medicinal purposes. These cards are usually only issued to people who have a qualifying condition that cannabis can treat.

This card is essential because it is usually the only way people with a qualifying condition can be treated with cannabis. The most common qualifying conditions are cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, chronic pain, and muscle spasms.

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How To Get a Medical Marijuana Card?

The process of getting a Medical Marijuana Card is not hassle-free. It involves many steps, and the patient must go through a lot of documentation. The first step is to get a recommendation from a certified doctor who states that you need cannabis for your medical condition.

After you have the doctor's recommendation, you will need to fill out an application with the state's health department. You will also need to submit some documents, such as your I.D. and proof of residency.

Once your application is approved, you will be issued a Medical Marijuana Card. This card will allow you to purchase cannabis from dispensaries in states where it is legal.

It is important to note that getting a medical marijuana card can vary from state to state. Some states require you to undergo a background check, while others do not.

Also, most states require signing up to the medical marijuana registry, which is a database of all the patients who hold medical marijuana cards. However, the registration can be done online after submitting proof that your physician has recommended the usage of medical marijuana.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Washington, D.C.?

You can get a medical marijuana card in D.C. if you follow the steps below:

First, you need to get a recommendation from a licensed physician in D.C. The doctor must fill out and sign a certification form stating that you have a qualifying condition.

Once you have the doctor's recommendation, you will need to apply to the Washington D.C. Department of Health. You will also need to pay an application fee.

If your application is approved, you will be issued a medical marijuana card. This card will allow you to purchase cannabis from dispensaries in D.C.

It is important to note that getting a medical marijuana card in Washington D.C. can be complicated and time-consuming. However, it is worth it if you need cannabis for your medical condition.

Medical Marijuana Reciprocity Programs

A reciprocity program is an agreement between two states that allows patients to use their out-of-state medical marijuana cards in the other state. Currently, there are 38 states in the country that has a reciprocity program.

18 out of these 36 states presently offer medical marijuana program reciprocity for state-licensed medical cannabis I.D. cardholders (or equivalent). Therefore, there is no generally accepted medical marijuana reciprocity program in the United States.

Currently, only a few states have reciprocity agreements with each other. For example, Michigan has reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Delaware, Montana, and Rhode Island.

It is important to know that the rules surrounding reciprocity vary from state to state. Some states have limitations on cannabis products available for medical marijuana patients.

For instance, Arizona only allows reciprocity for medical marijuana flowers, while Michigan has no limitations. Therefore, it is essential to check the state's rules before you travel there with your out-of-state medical marijuana card.

States That Accept Medical Cards From Other States

As stated earlier, only a few states have reciprocity agreements with each other. However, a few states also accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards without any reciprocity agreement. These states are:

Arizona

You can purchase recreational cannabis if you are age 21 years and above may purchase recreational marijuana from dispensaries. However, the possession limit is one oz., 5 grams of hash or concentrates, and six plants per person or 12 grams per residence.

Arkansas

Arkansas presently permits "visiting qualified patients" or people with a valid medical marijuana card from another state. You can possess 2.5 oz. useable marijuana per 14-day period.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, qualified patients from other states who have been verified and registered in their home state are allowed. Out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders can buy and possess up to four ounces of cannabis per 15-day period.

Maine

In Maine, cannabis can be used recreationally by adults (21+). Chapter 409 of the Public Laws and the Maine Marijuana Legalization Act also accepts medical marijuana cards from other states. The possession limit for cannabis is 15 plants (no more than three mature); 2.5 oz. usable; 5 g. hash/concentrates.

Michigan

As mentioned earlier, Michigan has reciprocity agreements with Arizona, Delaware, Montana, and Rhode Island. However, the state also accepts out-of-state medical marijuana cards without any reciprocity agreement. The possession limit for cannabis is 2.5 oz. of usable marijuana.

Nevada

In Nevada, you can purchase recreational marijuana if you are 21+ years. Out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders may also purchase from dispensaries. The possession limit is 1 oz. usable; 6 plants; 3.5 g. hash/concentrates.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire only has a medical marijuana program. Out-of-state medical marijuana card holders can purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis within ten days.

New Mexico

Medical marijuana cardholders started purchasing cannabis in New Mexico on the 29th of June, 2021. Commercial cannabis sales began in 2024. The possession limit is 2 oz usable; 6 plants per person (no more than 12 per household); 16g hash/concentrates; 800mg edibles.

Oklahoma

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority has no reciprocity agreements with other states. However, the state allows out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to purchase and possess cannabis in the state.

Puerto Rico

Out-of-state medical cards are accepted only if they are issued for ailments that are covered by the regulations. Visitors may also obtain Puerto Rican medical cards if they meet the requirements.

Rhode Island

Patients in Rhode Island can use and purchase medical cannabis if they have a state-issued card. The possession limit is 2.5 oz usable with 12 plants.

Utah

Utah is one of the states that only have a medical marijuana program. Out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders can purchase and possess up to two ounces of cannabis for 14 days.

Washington D.C.

D.C. has fewer restrictive requirements for reciprocity than other jurisdictions but only accepts it from certain states that have an equally functional medical marijuana program.

States Without Marijuana Reciprocity

There are some states without reciprocity agreements for medical marijuana. These states are:

Georgia

Georgia is a state without reciprocity agreements for medical marijuana. The state only has a low THC oil program signed into law in 2015. The law states that the possession of cannabis is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1000.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, the medical marijuana program was signed into law in 2014. The state does not have reciprocity agreements for medical marijuana. The possession limit for cannabis is a 30-day supply as determined by a physician.

New Jersey

New Jersey's medical marijuana program was signed into law in 2010. The state also does not have reciprocity agreements for medical marijuana.

Ohio

Ohio does not extend reciprocity to its medical marijuana program. Possession of fewer 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. Although the state recently decriminalized cannabis in 2020, the maximum punishment for possessing up to 1 ounce of marijuana is a $25 fine if you don't have an arrest or criminal record recorded.

Pennsylvania

The state has a strict law on reciprocity. Pennsylvania only allows out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to purchase if they are a resident of a state that has an agreement with Pennsylvania.

West Virginia

West Virginia only allows out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders to purchase if they are a resident of a state that has an agreement with West Virginia. The state does not have reciprocity agreements for medical marijuana.

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