It's holiday time, and you and I and Uncle Chuck all know what that means— a whole lot of driving. Whether you're just driving from the DMV down to Richmond or out of state to visit extended family, the holidays often mean hitting the road. When you have or are about to get a Virginia marijuana card, traveling for the holidays involves a little extra bit of complexity. Feeling your best and getting to where you're going as safely and securely as possible is the goal. Here are a few tips for how you can do just that.
Driving in Virginia During the Holidays
Great news first— driving anywhere within the Virginia border with your medical marijuana is a breeze. A few tips to keep in mind:
Always drive while feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (not impaired)
Keep your medical marijuana stored securely and away from view
Obey all traffic laws and speed limits
Make sure your vehicle registration and license are up to date
You will also want to make sure that your vehicle is in good working order and that all of your lights and turn signals are operating properly. Finally— and this should go without saying— don't consume your medical marijuana while operating your vehicle.
Federal Lands in Virginia—Marijuana is Illegal, Even if It’s Medical
One major caveat? Keep an eye out for federal lands. Virginia and the DMV are filled to the brim with federal landmarks and parks, and cannabis is not legal in those areas. Plan your route ahead of time and make sure you and your perfectly legal Virginia cannabis stay out of federal territory.
Driving Out of Virginia With Medical Marijuana During the Holidays
Here is where traveling with medical marijuana gets a bit more complicated. Driving out of the Commonwealth during the holidays, however, is easily done provided you heed a few basic rules.
For one, again— Federal law comes into play. When you cross a state border, you are under the auspices of Federal law. That means driving from Virginia to Maryland or Virginia to West Virginia, etc... even if that's right next door. It is technically illegal to drive with your medical marijuana across a state line, according to Federal law.
What to do, then? Well, your first and best, no-risk option is just to find your medical marijuana when you get there. This, however, requires traveling to a state that honors reciprocity with Virginia.
States with Reciprocity for Virginia Marijuana Patients
If you're driving to one of the states that has reciprocity with Virginia's medical marijuana laws, then you are in luck. Reciprocal states will allow you to use your Virginia medical marijuana card at their dispensaries. You can safely drive across state lines without your Virginia-bought product and then purchase quality medical marijuana upon your arrival in the other state.
Who has reciprocity with Virginia? A number of states, including the District of Columbia just over the water to the North and East. Keep in mind: Laws related to cannabis are evolving, and evolving quickly. Contact the local dispensary in the area to which you are traveling and confirm the nature of their state's reciprocity with Virginia. In some cases, you will be able to use your own Virginia medical marijuana card at the out-of-state dispensary. In other situations, you may need to get a temporary permit and registration card.
Taking Your Virginia Medical Marijuana Across State Lines
Another option? You can consider taking your own product with you across a state line if you are traveling to a state with legal recreational or medical marijuana laws and/or reciprocity with Virginia. This increases your risks to a degree, in terms of crossing the state lines. However, chances are you will at worst receive a fine if you are caught while traveling in another state where marijuana has been decriminalized or legalized to some degree.
To make sure you’re in the know before you go, check out our other guide to traveling in or out of Virginia when you have medical marijuana for a more thorough review of how to make sure you’re safe.
Get Your VA Marijuana Card Now!
Medical marijuana improves your daily quality of life and it's very likely to be essential for you during busy holidays with family. Traveling with your medical marijuana in Virginia or even out of state can be done safely, allowing you to enjoy quality medical marijuana products throughout the holidays wherever your travels may take you.
The cannabis doctors and patient support staff at Virginia Marijuana Card can answer all the questions you may have about medical marijuana. We’ll take the time to make sure you understand the process, and follow-up appointments are free for the entire 12 months that your medical card is valid through us. Schedule an appointment with an online medical marijuana doctor today, to start gaining access to safe, legal cannabis products, including tinctures, flower, concentrates and more.
Doctors Who Care.
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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Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information.