With five states surrounding us, many Virginians live within a short drive of border states. This is particularly true for those Virginians living in the Northern part of the Commonwealth! As a result, Virginia residents with medical marijuana cards in the DMV or even in other parts of the state may be wondering whether neighboring states offer reciprocity, allowing them to purchase cannabis legally when they travel.
In this post, we will answer the following questions related to reciprocity between states neighboring Virginia and beyond:
Does so-called ‘reciprocity’ exist with some of the Commonwealth’s neighbors or even with states well beyond Virginia’s borders? If so, what exactly does that mean for Virginians who want to enjoy the benefits of high-quality cannabis products when traveling between states?
What Reciprocity Means for Medical Marijuana Patients
As a start, it might help to clarify exactly what reciprocity is in the context of medical marijuana. Reciprocity is used to describe when a state accepts the statutes of another state within its borders. In the context of medical marijuana, this would mean that someone with a legal right to purchase medical marijuana in one state would be allowed to purchase it in another.
Virginia itself offers no reciprocity to other states; that is to say, no out-of-state medical marijuana card holders are allowed to purchase medical marijuana within the Commonwealth.
Many other states do offer some form of reciprocity. This reciprocity can come in different forms, however. Some states might offer reciprocity only to specific states, while others offer it to any state with a medical marijuana program. Others may offer reciprocity with severe limitations.
States That Offer Reciprocity for VA Medical Marijuana Patients
Several other states accept Virginia medical marijuana cards. As of February of 2021, the District of Columbia allows Virginians with current and valid medical marijuana cards to make purchases at DC dispensaries. And while West Virginia has yet to extend full reciprocity to Virginia, it does allow out-of-state patients with terminal cancer to purchase medical marijuana within its borders.
An interesting exception to traditional reciprocity? Hawaii, which does not extend reciprocity to other states, but does allow out-of-state residents to apply to their medical marijuana program. Patients with serious or terminal conditions can typically get their Hawaiian applications fast-tracked.
Beyond this, there are several states far from the Virginia border that offer some form of reciprocity. These states could be filed under the category of “Yes” when it comes to reciprocity, but that comes with some serious exceptions. Keep in mind as a Virginian with a medical marijuana card that cannabis laws are evolving quickly. You should always check on and confirm a state’s laws before possessing or purchasing cannabis within its borders.
States that offer some form of reciprocity with exceptions include:
· Arizona
· Arkansas
· California
· Maine
· Missouri
· Montana
· Nevada
· New Hampshire (possession only, with severe limitations)
· New Jersey
· New Mexico
· Oklahoma
· Rhode Island
· Utah
Considering Federal Marijuana Laws
A catch in all this? Federal laws. According to Federal law, possession of cannabis is still illegal. What’s more, traveling with cannabis across state lines is also against the law. While Virginians can access quality medical marijuana products at dispensaries in neighboring states, they should keep these constricts in mind.
Traveling safely with medical marijuana can be done when you pay careful attention to the rules! Keep some of the following guidelines in mind if you are considering taking advantage of another state’s reciprocity with Virginia:
Consume your medical marijuana in a private home.
Avoid crossing state lines with your medical marijuana.
Make sure that you keep your Virginia medical marijuana card on hand when in possession of your medical marijuana.
Avoid driving when you feel impaired in any way.
Keep your medical marijuana secured and hidden from view whenever you travel or drive with it.
Get Your VA Marijuana Card Now!
Medical marijuana is available to Virginians with medical cards beyond the borders of the Commonwealth, provided you keep state laws and federal restrictions in mind. Virginians who want to use a medical marijuana card to enjoy relief from symptoms related to a wide range of conditions can enjoy the benefits of cannabis safely and legally when they travel as well.
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 answer all your questions, 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.