Medical Marijuana Reciprocity in the U.S. (2025): Where Your Card Is Valid

As medical marijuana programs expand across the United States, many patients wonder whether their medical cannabis cards are recognized in other states. This concept, known as medical marijuana reciprocity, allows patients to access cannabis treatments while traveling. However, reciprocity laws vary significantly by state.

States with Full Medical Marijuana Reciprocity

The following states fully recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, allowing visiting patients to purchase and possess cannabis similarly to local medical cardholders.

Arizona: Permits “visiting qualifying patients” to possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis, provided they have a valid out-of-state medical marijuana card and have lived in Arizona for less than 30 days.
Arkansas: Allows out-of-state patients to apply for a temporary 90-day medical marijuana card for a $50 fee.
Hawaii: Offers a 60-day temporary medical marijuana card to out-of-state patients with qualifying conditions, upon application and a $49.50 fee.
Maine: Recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana cards, allowing patients to purchase up to 2.5 ounces every 15 days.
Michigan: Accepts out-of-state medical marijuana cards, though individual dispensaries may choose whether or not to honor them.
Nevada: Recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana cards, permitting patients to purchase cannabis from dispensaries.
New Hampshire: Allows out-of-state patients to possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis within a 10-day period.
New Mexico: Recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana cards, granting patients the same rights as local medical cardholders.
Oklahoma: Provides temporary 30-day licenses to out-of-state patients upon application and approval.
Rhode Island: Accepts out-of-state medical marijuana cards, allowing patients to purchase and possess cannabis.
Washington, D.C.: Recognizes medical marijuana cards from states with similar medical cannabis requirements.

States with Limited or No Reciprocity

Some states have legalized recreational cannabis, making medical marijuana reciprocity less critical for adult users.

California, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, and Washington: Do not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, but adults 21 and over can legally purchase cannabis for recreational use. Other states neither recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards nor have legalized recreational cannabis.
Georgia: Allows possession of low-THC oil (up to 20 ounces) for patients with valid medical marijuana cards but prohibits the purchase of cannabis.
Iowa: Permits possession of up to 4.5 grams of THC for patients with valid medical marijuana cards but does not allow purchases.
Utah: Recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana cards only if the patient’s qualifying condition aligns with Utah’s approved list.

Legislation and State-Specific Notes

Ohio While Ohio’s medical marijuana law includes provisions for reciprocity agreements with other states, as of now, no such agreements have been established. Ohio does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, and transporting cannabis across state lines remains illegal.
North Carolina (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) On tribal lands, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians allows adults with valid out-of-state medical marijuana cards to purchase cannabis from their dispensary, Great Smoky Cannabis Co. This is notable, as North Carolina has not legalized medical or recreational cannabis statewide.

Summary

Medical marijuana reciprocity in the U.S. is a complex and evolving landscape. While some states fully recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards, others offer limited or no reciprocity. Additionally, the legalization of recreational cannabis in certain states provides alternative access for adult users. Patients should research the specific laws of their destination state before traveling to ensure compliance and access to medical cannabis.

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