Traveling with a Medical Cannabis Card: A Comprehensive Guide for US Patients
Traveling across state lines with a medical cannabis card presents unique challenges for patients. Despite the growing legalization of cannabis for medical use in most states and recreational use in many, federal law still classifies cannabis as illegal. This creates a complex patchwork of state-specific regulations that medical cannabis patients must navigate, especially when travel necessitates uninterrupted access to their treatment. Since cannabis products cannot be legally transported out of the state where they were acquired, patients journeying for business or leisure need clear guidance on the laws, rules, and markets in unfamiliar areas.
This guide is designed to equip patients who are traveling with the necessary information to make informed decisions and evaluate risks when traveling with a medical cannabis card or needing access to cannabis while away from home. It provides essential tips, details on state reciprocity laws, information on accessing cannabis in adult-use markets, considerations for product safety, and crucial advice for travel via planes, trains, and automobiles.
Please note: This page was last updated in December 2024. Always consult local ordinances and regulations to ensure compliance with current laws.
Know Before You Go: Helpful Tips for Safe Travel
Prior to any trip, it is vital for medical cannabis patients to understand the most current laws and regulations of their destination state(s), their general rights, and how to locate necessary products upon arrival.
Here are essential tips for traveling patients:
- Familiarize yourself with the latest laws and regulations for the state(s) you plan to visit. Be aware that some states require visiting patients to register up to 30 days in advance to gain legal protection and access to medical cannabis dispensaries.
- Research the laws and specific company rules regarding traveling with cannabis or cannabis products, particularly for different modes of transportation.
- Maintain a current doctor’s recommendation for medical cannabis.
- Thoroughly inspect all your luggage and belongings before traveling to ensure no cannabis products are inadvertently transported, which could lead to complications.
- Always carry your current medical cannabis ID card and/or a copy of your doctor’s recommendation on your person. It is also advisable to keep copies in your luggage.
- Contact legally available access points (dispensaries) at your destination before your trip to confirm where appropriate strains and products can be obtained.
- Whenever possible, choose a medical cannabis business. While some states offering reciprocity to visiting medical cannabis patients also have adult-use programs where patients can purchase products, adult-use outlets typically have higher sales taxes, lower purchase limits, and may lack staff trained to assist with specific patient needs.
- If traveling with CBD or hemp-derived cannabis products, carry documentation proving their hemp origin (containing no more than 0.3% THC) as per the 2018 Farm Bill.
- Upon reaching your destination, transport cannabis products in the trunk of your vehicle. The sight or smell of cannabis can potentially trigger a DUI investigation, and DUI penalties are severe and often difficult to contest.
- Remember: The safest interaction with law enforcement is the one that never happens.
Transporting or Shipping Cannabis
A critical point for anyone traveling with a medical cannabis card is understanding the severe restrictions on transporting cannabis across state lines. Cannabis products cannot be legally moved out of the state where they were acquired. Transporting or shipping any amount of cannabis across state borders is a federal crime. Moreover, several states with legal cannabis access have specific laws prohibiting the importation and/or exportation of cannabis.
While the likelihood of arrest by federal officers might be low, and federal prosecutions for simple possession are uncommon, transporting or shipping cannabis interstate could lead to drug trafficking charges. These carry harsh penalties, including potentially up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for a first offense, with doubled penalties for subsequent offenses.
Safeguarding Your Rights
Even if your possession and use of cannabis are legal under state law, you retain the fundamental right to be free from unlawful search and seizure. Exercising this right is the only way to maintain it. A medical cannabis patient stopped by law enforcement should never consent to a search. If officers attempt to search a patient’s car or belongings, the patient should clearly and loudly state, “I do not consent to a search.” While this may not prevent the search from happening, if the search is later found to be illegal, any evidence obtained might be inadmissible in court. Conversely, if you consent to a search, any evidence discovered would likely be admissible.
Crucially, while you should not consent to a search, you must never physically resist officers, even if you believe the search is illegal. Physical resistance can result in additional charges like resisting arrest or assault on an officer, and could lead to injury or worse. If police proceed with a search despite your objections, continue to state “I do not consent to this search” audibly for the officers and any witnesses. (Note: This protocol does not apply to interactions with the TSA during air travel).
Detailed information on patient rights, existing federal laws, how to avoid and prepare for law enforcement encounters, and navigating the legal system post-encounter is often available from patient advocacy groups.
A screenshot showing the cover page of the 2025 Medical Cannabis Patient's Guide for US Travel. The title "The Medical Cannabis Patient's Guide for U.S. Travel 2025" is prominently displayed along with the logo of Americans for Safe Access (ASA).
Reciprocity & Visiting Medical Cannabis Patient’s Rights & Privileges
Several states in the US have medical cannabis programs that include some form of reciprocity for visiting patients. Reciprocity laws offer visiting non-resident medical cannabis patients a degree of legal protection. These measures are particularly important for patients traveling to seek specialized medical treatments or visiting friends and family out of state who require continuous access to cannabis for their condition.
States currently offering some level of reciprocity include Arizona, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Nevada, South Dakota, and Rhode Island.
The specific rights and privileges granted through these reciprocity programs vary significantly by state. Generally, patients are required to bring documentation proving their status in their home state’s medical cannabis program, such as their medical cannabis card, when they visit.
- Missouri, New Hampshire, and Arizona recognize a visiting patient’s right to possess cannabis but do not permit them to purchase cannabis from state-licensed medical dispensaries.
- The District of Columbia, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, Nevada, and Rhode Island grant visiting patients the full rights provided to resident patients, including the ability to purchase cannabis products from dispensaries using their home state medical cannabis ID.
- Arkansas, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and South Dakota mandate that visiting patients register through the state’s cannabis regulatory authority before arriving. This registration process can take up to 30 days for approval. Once approved, these patients are granted the full rights of the state’s program, including purchasing from dispensaries.
Beyond knowing where and how they can legally obtain cannabis while traveling, patients must also be aware of the legal possession limits and where consumption is permitted. For detailed information on each state, including links to registration programs and lists of medical cannabis facilities, patients should consult comprehensive guides or state resources.
Finding Medicine in Adult-Use Markets
Patients traveling to states with adult-use cannabis programs that do not offer reciprocity to non-resident medical patients may need to obtain cannabis from an adult-use retail store. States like 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, and Washington permit individuals aged 21 and older with valid identification to legally possess, consume, and purchase cannabis from licensed retailers.
If you plan to use adult-use markets to access your medicine while traveling with a medical card, keep these points in mind:
- These programs generally offer no legal protections or access options for minors.
- While some adult-use retailers are more geared towards medical needs than others, patients with specific requirements should research and contact licensed retail outlets before traveling to ensure they can find the necessary products.
- Possession and purchasing limits differ in every state’s adult-use program.
- Many states have specific regulations dictating where cannabis consumption is legally allowed.
Referencing state-specific guides or regulatory websites is crucial for finding lists of licensed facilities and understanding specific rules and regulations by state.
Product Safety Considerations
Medical cannabis products can sometimes contain contaminants such as mold, E. Coli, Salmonella, Aspergillus, pesticides, heavy metals, residual solvents, additives, and adulterants. These substances can pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable patients like those with compromised immune systems, pediatric patients, or the elderly.
Cannabis products sold through licensed producers are typically subject to state regulations designed to protect patients to some extent. However, CBD and “Hemp-Derived” products available in unregulated retail environments like gas stations, convenience stores, online shops, or even pharmacies often lack such regulatory oversight. Consumers should exercise extreme caution when considering products from these sources.
Be wary of online or retail stores that falsely claim to be state-licensed businesses. If you are unsure about a store’s legitimacy, verify their license with the state’s official cannabis licensing authority via their website.
It’s important to note that state product safety programs vary in their rigor. Patients purchasing cannabis products in states like WA, OR, IL, MD, ME, MA, RI, and NJ, especially those with compromised immune systems or organ transplants, should be aware that these states do not mandate testing for Aspergillus.
Furthermore, patients using edible medical cannabis products, particularly multi-dose items, should know that only AK, CA, CO, MD, ME, MI, MS, NM, and NV require homogeneity testing. This means that in markets without this requirement, cannabinoids might not be evenly distributed in multi-dose products, potentially causing individual doses to have an effect stronger or weaker than indicated on the label.
Product safety testing and labeling standards differ significantly from state to state, and sometimes even between medical and adult-use programs within the same state. Seeking products with certifications from independent oversight bodies, such as ASA’s Patient Focused Certification, can help patients identify companies voluntarily adhering to robust standards and offering accurately labeled, well-made products.
Planes, Trains, & Automobiles: Traveling with Cannabis Products
Navigating travel with cannabis products requires careful consideration of federal laws and carrier policies, especially when traveling with a weed medical card.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) focuses on security threats to aviation and passengers. While TSA agents do not actively search for cannabis, they are required to report the discovery of any illegal substances to law enforcement. The TSA does permit passengers to travel with prescribed, FDA-approved cannabis products (like Epidiolex) and CBD products derived from industrial hemp (under 0.3% THC) as per the 2018 Farm Bill. Patients are strongly advised against flying with other cannabis-derived products unless they have a prescription for an FDA-approved medication. Some large airports offer cannabis “amnesty boxes” for discarding products before security screening. If unavailable, discreet disposal in a trash can before screening is an option.
Airlines also have their own policies. Some major carriers, such as Delta and American, explicitly prohibit transporting cannabis, even while acknowledging state-level legalizations. It is wise for patients to check their specific airline’s baggage policy.
Other transportation providers also maintain restrictive policies. Amtrak prohibits the use or transport of marijuana in any form for any purpose, regardless of state legality. Greyhound’s policy bans “alcohol, drugs, or weapons” on the bus, including in checked luggage. Patients should review their carrier’s specific rules.
Ridesharing companies like Uber typically state that their app cannot be used to commit crimes, including transporting drugs. Drivers use personal vehicles, and some may object to the odor of cannabis. Patients should consider scent-reducing or -eliminating storage solutions out of respect for the driver.
Crucially, never drive under the influence of cannabis or any substance that impairs your driving ability. If driving with cannabis in your possession, ensure your vehicle registration, driver’s license, and license plates are current, all lights function, and adhere to basic traffic laws to minimize potential interactions with law enforcement. When driving, cannabis should ideally be stored in the trunk. In some legal states, storing cannabis anywhere else, even in a locked glove compartment, is illegal.
Visiting Patient Access to Medical Cannabis By Jurisdiction
This section provides state-specific information for patients traveling with a weed medical card or seeking access while visiting.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: CANNABIS PROGRAMS STATE-BY-STATE SNAPSHOT
This overview includes:
- Links to applications for visiting medical patients where required.
- Possession and purchase limits for each state.
- Legally permitted locations for cannabis consumption.
- Information or links to lists of licensed cannabis facilities by state.
Alaska: Does not have dispensaries under its medical law but has an adult-use system. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from retailers. No provisions for visiting minors. Public use is prohibited. Patients should carry their home state medical cards for potential law enforcement interactions.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz usable cannabis
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz usable cannabis
- Retail outlets licensed by the Alaska Marijuana Control Board: find and verify AK cannabis businesses.
Arizona: Recognizes valid medical cannabis ID cards from other states for possession and consumption but not purchase from medical dispensaries. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy at adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption of edibles is allowed, but smoking in public is prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower, 5 g hash/concentrates
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz flower, 5 g hash/concentrates
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz usable cannabis
- Retail outlets licensed by the Arizona Department of Health: find and verify AZ cannabis businesses.
Arkansas: Patients with a valid home state medical cannabis card and a qualifying condition recognized by Arkansas law can apply for a Visitors Medical cannabis ID. Requires an online application, $50 fee, minimum 14-day processing. Must have an Arkansas-recognized qualifying condition. Approved patients get full rights including dispensary purchase. Smoking in public is prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz usable cannabis per 14 days
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz usable cannabis per 14 days
- Retail outlets licensed by the Arkansas Department of Health: find and verify AR cannabis businesses.
California: Medical program is for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Smoking in any public place is prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz dried flower or 8g concentrate
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz dried flower or 8g concentrate per day (21+)
- Retail outlets licensed by the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC): find & verify CA cannabis businesses.
Colorado: Medical program is for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Smoking in public places, including sidewalks, parks, resorts, venues, businesses, and federal lands, is prohibited.
- Adult use Possession limit: 1 oz dried flower, 8g concentrate, or 800mg edibles
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz dried flower, 8g concentrate, or 800mg edibles per day (21+)
- Retail outlets licensed by the Colorado Department of Revenue: find and verify CO cannabis businesses.
Connecticut: Medical program is for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 5 oz flower or equivalent (up to 5 oz in locked container)
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1/4 oz flower or equivalent per transaction
- Retail outlets licensed by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection: find and verify CT cannabis businesses.
Delaware: Medical program does not recognize out-of-state cards. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can legally possess cannabis (purchasing from adult-use market TBD when stores open). No protections for visiting minors.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower, 12 grams or less concentrate or products.
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A (Retail stores not yet open)
District of Columbia: Extends reciprocity to patients from any state with a medical card (VA patients can use doctor letter). Visiting patients must show valid home state medical card (or equivalent) and photo ID at licensed medical dispensaries to purchase. Public smoking is prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 4 oz dried flower or equivalent
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 4 oz dried flower or equivalent per 30 days
- Retail outlets licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage & Cannabis Administration: verify DC cannabis businesses.
- NOTE: As of December 2023, products in the DC market are not tested at labs.
Guam: Legalized medical (2014) and adult-use (2019), but dispensaries are not operational. Removed residency in 2018 for possession/use. Visiting patients can register with DPHSS ($15 fee) with Guamanian healthcare practitioner certification; cards not required. Registered patients may possess 2.5 oz flower or equivalent extracts. No legal retailers mean access is via gifted cannabis from home cultivators (selling prohibited). No access for visiting minors. Public smoking prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz dried cannabis or THC product equivalent
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: (Once dispensaries open) 2.5 oz dried cannabis or equivalent per 14 days (unless physician approves higher)
Hawaii: Comprehensive online application for out-of-state patients certified in home state with a Hawaii-recognized debilitating condition to get a Hawaii 329 Registration Card for dispensary access. Requires valid, unexpired home state medical card and same-state photo ID (no passports/military ID). $49.50 non-refundable fee. Temporary cards valid 60 days, renewable (max two 60-day terms/year). Processing can take up to 60 days before start date. Check for dispensaries on island before applying. Public smoking prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 4 oz usable cannabis or equivalent
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 4 oz usable cannabis or equivalent per 15-day period
- Retail outlets licensed by the Hawaii State Department of Health: find and verify HI cannabis businesses.
Illinois: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 15g flower, 250 mg edibles, and 2.5g concentrate
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 15g flower, 250 mg edibles, or 2.5g concentrate
- Retail outlets licensed by Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Oversight Officer: find and verify IL cannabis businesses.
Maine: Extends reciprocity; visiting patients can use valid home state medical card and photo ID to buy through medical program. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy/possess via adult-use. Public consumption prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz harvested cannabis per 15 days
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz usable cannabis, products, or combination every 15 days
- Retail outlets licensed by the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy: find and verify ME cannabis businesses.
Maryland: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1.5 oz flower or 12 g concentrates
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1.5 oz flower or 12 g concentrates
- Retail outlets licensed by the Maryland Cannabis Administration: find and verify MD cannabis businesses.
Massachusetts: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower (max 5g concentrate)
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz cannabis or 5g concentrate per day
- Retail outlets licensed by the Cannabis Control Commission: find and verify MA cannabis businesses.
Michigan: Reciprocity allows visiting patients to purchase, possess, and consume using a valid home state medical card and same-state government ID. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy/possess via adult-use. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 2.5 oz flower or 15 g concentrates
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz flower or 15 g concentrates
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz flower or equivalent
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz flower per day, max 10 oz per month
- Retail outlets licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Agency: find and verify MI cannabis businesses.
Minnesota: Medical program does not recognize out-of-state cards. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can legally possess cannabis (purchasing from adult-use market TBD when stores open). No protections for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 2 oz flower, 800 mg edibles, or 8 g concentrates
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A (Retail stores not yet open)
- Retail outlets licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health: find and verify MN cannabis businesses.
Mississippi: No dedicated reciprocity, but non-residents can get a temporary 15-day card by registering with the state if they have a Mississippi-recognized qualifying condition. Registration must be 30+ days prior to visit. Adhere to state laws (sale currently prohibited). Licensed retail facilities are listed with the Mississippi Department of Health.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 3.5 oz flower or equivalent
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 6 MMCEUs/week (approx. 3.5g flower, 1g concentrate, or 100mg edibles), max 24/month (approx. 3 oz)
- Retail outlets licensed by the Mississippi State Department of Health: find and verify MI cannabis businesses.
Missouri: Recognizes valid out-of-state medical cards for possession and consumption but not purchase from medical dispensaries. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 3 oz flower or equivalent
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 3 oz flower or equivalent
- Retail outlets licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: find and verify MO cannabis businesses.
Montana: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower or 8g concentrate; 800 mg edibles
- Adult use Purchase Limit: 1 oz flower or 8g concentrate; 800 mg edibles
- Retail outlets licensed by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services: find and verify MT cannabis businesses.
Nevada: Allows reciprocity and adult-use for visitors 21+ with valid ID. Non-resident medical patients can use valid home state medical card and photo ID to buy from medical dispensaries (higher limits than adult-use). Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower (2.5 oz Jan 2024) & 3.5 g concentrates
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz flower (2.5 oz Jan 2024) & 3.5 g concentrates
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz flower per 14 days and equivalent edibles/infused products
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz flower per 14 days and equivalent edibles/infused products
- Retail outlets licensed by the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board: find and verify NV cannabis businesses.
New Hampshire: Visiting patients may possess cannabis but cannot purchase from dispensaries. Must provide valid home state registry ID (or equivalent) and doctor’s statement of qualifying condition recognized by NH law. Applies only to non-residents or residents present <30 days. No gifting or dispensary purchase allowed. Public consumption prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2 oz flower
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: Visiting patients are not allowed to purchase
New Jersey: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower or equivalent
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz flower or equivalent
- Retail outlets licensed by New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission: verify NJ cannabis businesses.
New Mexico: Reciprocity allows visiting patients to purchase, possess, and consume using a valid home state medical card and same-state government ID. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy/possess via adult-use. No fee for visiting patients in reciprocity program. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 2 oz flower, 16 g concentrate, 800 milligrams edibles.
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 2 oz flower, 16 g concentrate, 800 milligrams edibles.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: Up to 15 oz flower or equivalent per 90 days
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: Up to 15 oz flower or equivalent per 90 days
- Retail outlets licensed by the New Mexico Department of Health: find and verify NM cannabis businesses.
New York: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 3 oz flower or 24 g concentrates.
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 3 oz flower or 24 g concentrates.
- Retail outlets licensed by the New York State Office of Cannabis Management: verify NY cannabis businesses.
Ohio: Medical program does not recognize out-of-state cards. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can legally possess cannabis (purchasing from adult-use market TBD when stores open). No protections for visiting minors.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 5 oz flower
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A (Retail stores not yet open)
Oklahoma: Offers temporary patient licenses (minor and adult) valid for 30 days (renewable, but not past home card expiry). Requires valid home state medical card copy, photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID copy), passport-style photo, and $100 non-refundable fee. Processing can take up to 14 days. Public consumption prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 3 oz flower; 1 oz concentrate; and 72 oz edibles
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 3 oz flower, 1 oz concentrate, and 72 oz infused products in a single transaction
- Retail outlets licensed by Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority: verify OK cannabis businesses.
Oregon: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult use Possession Limit: 1 oz usable in public, 8 oz at home, 16 oz solid product, 72 oz liquid product, 5g extracts/concentrates.
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz usable, 16 oz solid, 72 oz liquid, 5g extracts/concentrates per day (21+)
- Retail outlets licensed by Oregon Health Authority: verify OR cannabis businesses.
Puerto Rico: Extends reciprocity for up to 30 days to patients with unexpired US state medical recommendations/cards if the state has a verifiable database. No residency requirement to obtain a PR medical card ($25 fee) valid for max 30 days. Visitors from states without cards can also apply for a PR card (max 30 days). Smoking is strictly forbidden (even for medical patients). Vaporizing flower requires explicit physician approval due to lack of alternatives or terminal illness. Public consumption prohibited. Dispensaries cannot sell flower if recommendation doesn’t authorize vaporization. Equivalence: 1 oz flower = 8g concentrate = 800mg edibles.
- Resident Patient Possession Limit: 30-day supply
- Resident Patient Purchase Limit: 1 oz flower or equivalent per day
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 30-day supply
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 1 oz flower or equivalent per day
Rhode Island: Extends reciprocity to patients from any state issuing medical cards. Visiting patients access compassion centers (dispensaries) with home state medical card and photo ID. Requires completing an intake form for tracking; no fee for program participation.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 2.5 oz dried usable, 12.5 oz wet cannabis
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 2.5 oz usable cannabis or equivalent per 15 days
- Retail outlets licensed by the Rhode Island Department of Health: verify RI cannabis businesses.
South Dakota: Patients with valid home state medical card can register with the Department of Health for legal protection and dispensary purchase. Requires minimum 30-day processing, $50 fee. Public smoking prohibited.
- Visiting Patient Possession Limit: 3 oz flower or equivalent every 14 days
- Visiting Patient Purchase Limit: 3 oz flower or equivalent every 14 days
- Retail outlets licensed by the South Dakota Department of Health: verify SD cannabis businesses.
Virginia: Medical program does not recognize out-of-state cards. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can legally possess cannabis (purchasing from adult-use market TBD when stores open). No access for visiting minors.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: N/A (Retail stores not yet open)
Washington: Medical program for residents only. Visitors 21+ with valid ID can buy from adult-use retailers. No access for visiting minors. Public consumption prohibited.
- Adult Use Possession Limit: 1 oz flower, 16 oz solid product, 72 oz liquid product, or 7g concentrate
- Adult Use Purchase Limit: 1 oz flower 16 oz solid, 72 oz liquid, or 7g concentrate per day (21+)
- Retail outlets licensed by the Washington State Department of Health: verify WA cannabis businesses.
Conclusion
Navigating travel as a medical cannabis patient in the United States is complex due to the discrepancy between state and federal laws. Understanding the specific regulations of your destination state, including reciprocity laws, adult-use access, possession limits, and consumption rules, is crucial for safe and legal travel. While many states offer some pathways for visiting patients to access necessary medicine, thorough preparation and adherence to local laws are paramount. Keeping your medical documentation readily available and knowing your rights can help mitigate risks. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, staying informed through reliable sources is essential for any patient traveling with a weed medical card.
A screenshot showing the cover page of the Spanish version of the 2025 Medical Cannabis Patient's Guide for US Travel. The title "Pacientes de canabis medicinal guía para viajar" is visible along with the Americans for Safe Access logo.
