The Complete Guide to Traveling with Medical Marijuana

When traveling with medical marijuana, one is likely to be overwhelmed by the laws governing the possession and use of the substance. Medical cannabis is legal in many states today, although it has no legal status under federal laws, and this acts as a hindrance to traveling within as well as to other countries. These regulations should be understood to avoid arising legal issues mostly in the states’ borders or at the airport. Additionally, you should possess an online medical card that allows you to legally use marijuana in your state.

Is It Legal to Travel with Medical Marijuana in the U.S.?

The short and simple answer to this question is that even for medical use, the substance of marijuana cannot be legally taken across state lines. Nevertheless, this restriction remains valid even if both states legalized medical marijuana. There are, however, certain states to which medical marijuana cardholders from other states are allowed to access cannabis while in those states.

Examples of Reciprocity Programs:

Arkansas: A temporary card for 30 days costs $50, with a regimen of $35 non-refundable for its issue. They all should be submitted beforehand in writing.

New Jersey: Out-of-state patients are issued a visitor card similar to a resident’s card, but the card is valid for 6 months only.

Important Tip: The management of the possessing limits should always be checked whenever one is visiting a certain state. For instance, the law allows the residents of Oregon to possess up to 24 ounces of marijuana, while a card-owning visitor is only permitted to possess one ounce.

Flying with Medical Marijuana: What You Need to Know

When it comes to traveling with medical marijuana, there are certain things that every patient with a prescription should know in order to avoid running afoul of the law.

It is unlawful to transport marijuana for medical use in an aircraft according to federal law. The TSA does not arrest people for possessing HI, marijuana, or any other substance, but the agency informs the local police when it comes across something that is prohibited by federal law.

Airline Policies:

Travelers are advised to avoid carrying any form of marijuana on the flight because even the medical marijuana is prohibited by most of the airlines, including American Airlines. Storing your cannabis at home should be done if you are traveling by plane.

Cannabis Amnesty Boxes:

Some airports have temperate bins where passengers are allowed to put the substance for legal discharging if it is taken to the airport by mistake. As an illustration, consider:

• Aspen County Airport in Colorado
• O’Hare International Airport in Chicago
• Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

Driving with Cannabis:

DUI in general is safe, especially in the states that allow the use of medical marijuana, provided the following measures are adhered to:

• It is important that cannabis be packed in the same container it came with or in a recommended one.
• Avoid exposure to the light and moisture; store in a closed rigid container, preferably locked.
• Stay within the speed limit range and refrain from utilizing cannabis when on the wheel.

Caution: As an instance, while having legitimate medical use of marijuana, you may face consequences if you have the drug with you when moving across states with strict laws on marijuana.

Public Transportation: Navigating Trains, Buses, and Ferries with Cannabis

Even when the two states where the traveler is leaving from or heading to allow its use, most means of public transport, such as Amtrak and Greyhound, do not allow the use of cannabis. Such prohibitions as smoking and carrying cannabis, among others, are standard practices on commuter trains as well as ferries.

International Travel with Medical Cannabis

Medical marijuana is still prohibited, and it is unlawful to transport it to another country most of the times. For instance, in Indonesia, vigorous penalties frequently involving lengthy imprisonments are quite usual. Possession limitations are very strict even in countries like the Netherlands, where the use of marijuana is acceptable.

Pro Tip: It also highlights one of the popular misconceptions that people should avoid taking marijuana to another country. While on a vacation, it is important that appropriate research is conducted on the laws of the country/area of tourists destination and other forms of treatment that may be available.

How to Safely Store Medical Marijuana While Traveling

If you are forced to take a trip, then here is what you need to do while traveling with medical marijuana:

• It is required that the cannabis be contained in its original packaging bearing all the labels.
• Ensure you have your medical marijuana card and, most importantly, the relevant paperwork from your supporting doctor.
• Pack it into a zipped pocket or any separate pocket that cannot easily be accessed by a passerby.

What to Do if You’re Detained?

What should you do if the police arrest you while you are on the journey?

• Remain composed and courteous.
• Please be advised to present a valid medical marijuana card, as well as other paperwork if needed.
• If that’s a potentiality, those in need of legal counsel should ensure full legal protection.

Essential Checklist for Traveling with Cannabis

The following should be certain before you proceed:

• You do not have to worry about getting renewal of your MMJ card because there is no exact time that is given on the card to ensure that the card has reached the due date for renewal.
• You personally have your cards and doctor’s prescription.
• The situation with medical marijuana is enclosed inside its sealed and clearly labeled pack.
• You do not engage in the use of cannabis when traveling to another country or from one state to another state.

Take Away

There are many risks that are associated with traveling with medical marijuana, especially when one is traveling across borders of different countries. To avoid such challenges, it is advisable to tailor the mode of healthcare service delivery by having adequate knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws.

If you do not wish to go through the process of having an ID card for medical marijuana, you can apply for one online since it is legal in some of the states. Consult with a health care provider and request an ID card without even leaving home.

If you’re interested in growing marijuana at home, you can apply for a CA cannabis grower license, which permits you to cultivate up to 99 plants for medicinal use.