Navigating Reciprocity in the DMV

When you live in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia/West Virginia region— yes, the DMV!— you are often crossing the border from one state to the next multiple times in the course of a day. If you have your Virginia medical marijuana card, what does all of that mean for you? Can you purchase your medical marijuana in a neighboring state or travel with it? Some states have what is known as ‘reciprocity,’ allowing medical marijuana card holders some liberties when in other states. Is that the case in the DMV for Virginians? Read on to find out!

What is Reciprocity?

Reciprocity is a term used to describe conditions under which citizens of two states can enjoy a mutual exchange of privileges when in the other state. In the context of medical marijuana, this can mean that a medical marijuana card holder in one state might be able to use or even purchase medical marijuana in the other state, be it flower or gummies, or vice versa.

Reciprocity in the DMV

There is some reciprocity in the DMV, but it’s not as even-handed as you might think. The following summarizes the main points defining any reciprocity in the region:

· Virginia offers no reciprocity to other states. This means no one with a medical marijuana card from another state can purchase from a dispensary in the Commonwealth.

· Maryland offers no reciprocity to other states. This means no one with a medical marijuana card from another state can purchase from a dispensary in the Commonwealth.

· The District of Columbia DOES offer reciprocity with Virginia and West Virginians, as well! This means that citizens from these places can use their cards to purchase at DC dispensaries.

· In West Virginia, only out-of-state visitors with terminal cancer can purchase medical marijuana.

You can see it gets a little complex in the DMV! The long and the short of it is that Virginians can purchase in the Commonwealth and in DC. The rub? Traveling back across that state line!

Federal Laws Regarding Medical Marijuana

It’s always important to remember that cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug by the federal government. What does this mean in terms of making your way around the DMV? Well, if you cross a state line with medical marijuana, you are technically in violation of federal law. What’s more, medical marijuana is not permitted on federal lands. Every monument, battlefield, and state park in the region could possibly be federal land. You could just be on a hike in the Shenandoah and, lo and behold, you’re on federal land!

We developed some tips for traveling with medical marijuana to make sure that you stay as safe as possible. In terms of enjoying reciprocity in the DMV, always remember that there are federal considerations at play, as well!

Get Your Medical Marijuana Card Today!

You can get a lot out of your medical marijuana in the DMV provided you understand reciprocity, respect the rules and act with discretion!

Your first step is consulting with a doctor who can give you the recommendation you need to access this natural product.

Schedule an appointment with an online VA medical marijuana doctor today to start gaining access to safe and legal cannabis products, including tinctures, flower, concentrates and more for your loved one or patient!

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Doctors Who Care.

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At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness

safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on

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Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!

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