More and more states are joining the legal medical marijuana revolution every year. There is now a larger number of MMJ patients in the United States than at any other time in history. Millions of Americans are availing of medical marijuana treatment to alleviate the symptoms of a whole host of debilitating medical conditions, including arthritis, glaucoma, chronic pain, muscle spasms, insomnia, and depression.
In 2021, medical marijuana is legal in 36 US states and the District of Columbia. This means people can enjoy the benefits of MMJ treatment in a large majority of the United States. But medical marijuana is still not legal on a federal level. This means that in some parts of the country MMJ is still strictly prohibited, and that crossing state lines with medical marijuana is a breach of federal law.
Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased, a lot of MMJ patients are traveling again. People are once more taking vacations, visiting family in other parts of the country, and traveling for work. Many MMJ patients require regular medical marijuana treatment to manage the symptoms of their medical condition. This means that a lot of MMJ patients have questions such as… Can I use my medical card in other states? What states accept out-of-state medical cards? Do you have to be a resident to get a medical card?
Today we’ll answer all these important questions and more.
Can I Use My Medical Card In Other States?
You can use your MMJ medical card in some other US states. These are states that practice something called “MMJ card reciprocity”.
What Is MMJ Card Reciprocity?
MMJ card reciprocity refers to states that allow MMJ cards from other states to be used to buy MMJ in their local dispensaries.
Some states allow medical cards from other states to be used, while other states allow out-of-state MMJ patients to apply for a Temporary Patient License that allows them to purchase MMJ while they are visiting that state.
Federal Medical Marijuana Law
While most US states have legalized medical marijuana, MMJ is still illegal on a federal level. This means that you can be arrested and prosecuted for carrying medical marijuana across state lines.
What States Accept Out-Of-State Medical Cards?
So, what states accept other states’ MMJ cards? The states that accept out-of-state medical cards in 2021 are:
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Washington D.C.
Other states, such as Oklahoma, allow out-of-state MMJ patients to purchase medical marijuana if they get a Temporary Patient License.
In states that have legalized recreational marijuana such as California and Colorado, patients from other states can legally purchase marijuana products without a medical card.
Do You Have To Be A Resident To Get A Medical Card?
In several states, you do not need to be a resident to get a medical card. Temporary Patient Licenses are available to out-of-state visitors who want to avail of MMJ treatment in a state they do not reside in.
How To Stay Within The Law When Purchasing MMJ In Other States
When purchasing MMJ in other states, always know the specific rules and regulations of the local MMJ program. This means knowing how much MMJ you can legally possess and where MMJ can be legally consumed. And again: do not take MMJ across state lines, or you risk federal prosecution.
Available Medical Marijuana Products Vary By State
Each state has its own medical marijuana program. This means that the types of medical marijuana products that are available vary by state. Some states have a limited menu of MMJ products, while other states with more liberal MMJ laws have a wide range of interesting medical marijuana treatments to choose from, including:
- Medical marijuana flower
- Pre-rolls
- Vapes
- MMJ edibles
- Drinks
- Oils
- Topicals
- Tinctures
MMJ Qualifying Conditions Vary Between States
It is also the case that medical marijuana qualifying conditions vary quite considerably state by state. Some states have a limited list of medical conditions that can be treated with MMJ; other states have long lists of qualifying conditions.
Oklahoma, which has one of the most liberal MMJ programs in the country, actually has no list of qualifying conditions. MMJ doctors in Oklahoma can prescribe MMJ treatment for any condition they feel would benefit from it.
How Do I Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card?
Applying for a medical marijuana card is a pretty simple and straightforward process in every state. The best way to do it is to visit the MMJRecs online clinic, where you’ll have a remote video consultation with an MMJ physician in your state.
Once the physician has verified your suitability for medical marijuana treatment, they will send you a valid physician certification form that you can submit to your local MMJ authorities. Your application will then be processed, and you will usually receive your MMJ card within 14 days.
Featured image by Morgan Lane on Unsplash