Summer is here and, as someone with a Virginia medical marijuana card, you may be ready to see the sights and start on some summer travels. Can you do that with your medical marijuana? The answer is a mixed bag, and knowing the details on how to travel with medical marijuana is important so that you can enjoy all the benefits of this natural product!
Medical Marijuana at the Federal Level
It’s always important for every medical marijuana user to remember— the federal government still views cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance. This means that traveling across a state line with you medical marijuana, even when you have your medical marijuana card, can cause problems. You may face a minimum penalty or even more serious consequences. Remember, too, that there are huge sections of Virginia and around the DMV that are federal land—you can end up on federal property just going on a hike!
These difficulties can get even worse with international travel. Many countries around the world punish marijuana possession with some pretty heavy penalties. The best bet to keep yourself safe when crossing borders may be to leave your product at home.
Airport Policies
The TSA, unofficially, has expressed in the past that it’s not interested in looking for medical marijuana in anyone’s bag. If you are in a state like Virginia and have a medical marijuana card, you may be able to show this to the TSA agent if they see your product. Keep in mind, however, that the TSA is still a federal agency and many airlines also have policies that ban taking medical marijuana on board.
Traveling by Train
The rails are a great way to get around during the summer, freeing you up from having to deal with airports or navigate traffic. You have to remember, however, that Amtrak in particular strictly bans medical marijuana from their trains!
Reciprocity Laws
If you are going to a state that has reciprocity with Virginia, this can mean that you are allowed to carry your product in that state, but laws change all the time and vary from state to state. Before going anywhere, do your research on the state you will be visiting and review the latest laws to see if it has reciprocity with Virginia. Some states may even require you to register in advance with their own program before you go there with you medical marijuana.
CBD – An Exception
In May of 2022, the TSA announced that it would allow flyers with cannabinoid oils that contain less than 0.3 percent THC to travel on planes. These types of CBD oils can be carried in a checked or carry-on luggage safely, as long as the product is approved by the FDA.
Taking Your Documents With You
Wherever you go this summer, take your documents with you! You will of course want to have your medical marijuana card on hand. Make sure you take along your state or federal ID, as well. Remember to look into the laws in any state you are traveling to.
Storing Your Medical Marijuana
Anytime you go outside the home with your medical marijuana, it has to be securely and discretely stored. That means looking into some storage boxes or packs. There are even products out there that block the smell, if you are carrying flower, so that you can make sure you are being as discreet as possible!
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card and Enjoy the Summer!
You can have a good summer with your medical marijuana provided you respect the rules and act with discretion! Summer is here, so go out and enjoy, provided you have your medical marijuana card with you!
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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Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
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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