Seven states have rules that allow out of state patients to carry medical cannabis. Three of these states let patients buy directly from local dispensaries. Here are the laws:
States That Allow Possession Only
New Hampshire
“A valid registry identification card, or its equivalent, that is issued under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States that allows, in the jurisdiction of issuance, a visiting qualifying patient to possess cannabis for therapeutic purposes, shall have the same force and effect as a valid registry identification card issued by the department in this state…”
Out-of-state MMJ cards justify possession and use for visiting patients with conditions covered by House Bill 573-FN. Visiting patients, however, can not grow or purchase cannabis in New Hampshire.
Arizona
“A registry identification card, or its equivalent, that is issued under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth or insular possession of the united states that allows a visiting qualifying patient to possess or use marijuana for medical purposes in the jurisdiction of issuance has the same force and effect when held by a visiting qualifying patient as a registry identification card issued by the department, except that a visiting qualifying patient is not authorized to obtain marijuana from a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary.”
According to Proposition 203, your MMJ card from your home state protects you against being arrested for possession in Arizona, but it doesn’t permit you to buy cannabis in-state.
Michigan
“A registry identification card, or its equivalent, that is issued under the laws of another state, district, territory, commonwealth, or insular possession of the United States that allows the medical use of marihuana by a visiting qualifying patient, or to allow a person to assist with a visiting qualifying patient’s medical use of marihuana, shall have the same force and effect as a registry identification card issued by the department.”
Under Proposal 08-1, qualified visiting patients are allowed to posses and use cannabis. If you are driving in Michigan with medical cannabis, Enrolled House Bill No. 4856 says you must ensure that your medication is in a case in the trunk of the car. State of Michigan v. McQueen declared dispensaries illegal in Michigan, so you will not be able to buy cannabis in-state.
Rhode Island
“A registry identification card, or its equivalent, issued under the laws of another state, U.S. territory, or the District of Columbia to permit the medical use of marijuana by a qualifying patient, or to permit a person to assist with a qualifying patient’s medical use of marijuana, shall have the same force and effect as a registry identification card issued by the department.”
The Edward O Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act allows qualified visiting patients to possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis, but you will not be able to buy from Rhode Island dispensaries.
States That Allow Possession And Purchase
Hawaii
Effective January 1, 2018:
“(c) Beginning on January 1, 2018, this section may apply to qualifying patients from other states, territories of the United States, or the District of Columbia; provided that the patient is verified as a patient in their home state and registers with the department through a registration process established by the department.”
Beginning in 2018, under Act 241 qualified visiting patients will be able to possess and buy cannabis in Hawaii.
Maine
“A qualifying patient visiting the State from another jurisdiction that authorizes the medical use of marijuana pursuant to a law or regulation of another state or political subdivision may engage in conduct authorized for a qualifying patient…”
The Rules Governing the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program respects out-of-state MMJ cards. If you wish to purchase cannabis in Maine, you must have your general physician complete this form.
Nevada
“From April 1, 2014, through March 31, 2016, a nonresident purchaser must sign an affidavit attesting to the fact that he or she is entitled to engage in the medical use of marijuana in his or her state or jurisdiction of residency. On and after April 1, 2016, the requirement for such an affidavit is replaced by computer cross-checking between the State of Nevada and other jurisdictions.”
Senate Bill No. 374 says that until April 1, 2016, out of state patients who wish to buy in Nevada must sign an affidavit, which is a written statement confirmed by oath, before buying cannabis in Nevada dispensaries. After that, a computer will be used to cross-check the patient’s status and allow them to purchase cannabis.
