Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity 2025

As a manufacturer and distributor of the finest smoking accessories, we are constantly on the road trying to expand our business.  That comes with a lot of interstate travel.  Our co-founder Jay has a Florida medical card and needs to know the laws wherever he is.  Thus, one (very) important consideration for medical marijuana card holders is card reciprocity.  

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve in 2025, the importance of accessible medical marijuana options for patients across the United States remains paramount. Medical marijuana card reciprocity ensures patients can continue their cannabis treatment when traveling to different states.

What is Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity?

Medical marijuana card reciprocity is the recognition of a valid medical marijuana identification card from one state by another state. It allows qualified patients from one state to legally possess and/or access medical cannabis in another state that recognizes reciprocity without needing to apply for a new card. This ensures that patients don’t face interruptions in their treatment while traveling or staying temporarily in a different state.

How Does Medical Marijuana Card Reciprocity Work?

The specifics of reciprocity vary by state, as each has its own laws and regulations. Sometimes, reciprocity requires agreements between the patient’s home state and the destination state. Several states have dual adult-use and medical cannabis programs, and reciprocity in these states often grant the medical card holder greater purchase/possession limits and/or tax relief.

States Accepting Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Cards:

Some of these states have legalized adult-use cannabis.  Therefore, the medical card programs/reciprocity in those states are mainly for tax relief or possession limit reasons.

• Arizona: Recognizes out-of-state medical marijuana cards, allowing visiting patients to possess and purchase medical cannabis. Visitors must have a qualifying medical condition that aligns with Arizona's list of approved conditions.

• Arkansas: Allows out-of-state patients to apply for a temporary 30-day medical marijuana license for a $50 fee. This permits the purchase and possession of medical cannabis within the state.

• California

• Colorado

• Hawaii: Offers a temporary medical marijuana card to out-of-state patients, valid for 60 days. Applicants must submit an online application and pay a fee.

• Illinois

• Kentucky: NEW in 2025

• Maine

• Maryland

• Montana

• Nevada

• New Mexico

• New York

• Oklahoma: Allows out-of-state patients to apply for a temporary medical marijuana license, valid for 30 days and renewable. This license permits the purchase and possession of medical cannabis.

• Oregon

• Rhode Island

• Utah: Permits visiting patients with qualifying medical conditions to possess medical cannabis but does not allow purchases within the state.

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• Washington, D.C.
  
  

States with Adult-Use (Recreational) Cannabis:

In states where recreational cannabis is legal, such as California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, and Oregon, adults aged 21 and over can purchase and possess cannabis without a medical card. However, medical patients may benefit from higher possession limits or lower taxes.

• 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

• Virginia

• Washington

States with No Reciprocity or Limited Recognition:

• Florida: Does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

• Louisiana: Does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

• Mississippi: Does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

• Nebraska:  New medical program in 2025.  Does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

• New Hampshire: Allows out-of-state patients to possess medical cannabis if they have a qualifying condition recognized by New Hampshire but does not permit purchases from dispensaries.

• North Dakota: Does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

• Pennsylvania: Does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

• South Dakota: Does not recognize out-of-state medical marijuana cards.

• West Virginia: Offers limited reciprocity; only terminally ill cancer patients with out-of-state medical marijuana cards can access medical cannabis.
  
  
  

Important Considerations:

• State lines: It is ALWAYS illegal to cross state lines with cannabis, as cannabis is still (wrongfully) illegal at the federal level.

• Application Processes: Some states require visiting patients to apply for temporary medical marijuana licenses, often involving fees and specific documentation.

• Possession and Purchase Limits: Limits on the amount of medical cannabis that can be purchased or possessed vary by state. It's essential to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations of the state you are visiting.

• Qualifying Conditions: States may have different lists of qualifying medical conditions. Ensure that your condition qualifies under the destination state's medical marijuana program.

• Legal Protections: While some states offer legal protections for out-of-state medical marijuana patients, others do not. Always carry your medical marijuana card and any relevant documentation when traveling.

What Now?

• Follow Stoned Earth on all socials and this blog for the latest updates on medical marijuana card reciprocity.

• Share this blog post with friends and family.

• Advocate for cannabis reform.

Let’s work together to create a more compassionate world where we all have the freedom to Embrace the Power of Nature… a Stoned Earth.