Medical Cannabis Legal States Map: Reciprocity Rules

Quick answer

38 states and the District of Columbia run medical cannabis programs. About 13 states plus DC accept a medical card issued by another state. Rules differ by state. Some states require a separate registration and a fee. Some states accept no out-of-state card. Cannabis stays illegal under federal law.

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What reciprocity means

Reciprocity is a state rule that recognizes a medical cannabis card from another state. Three versions exist:

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• Direct acceptance at the point of sale. The patient shows a home-state card and a photo ID.
• Registration first. The patient applies for a temporary state card, pays a fee, and waits for approval.
• No acceptance. The state serves residents only.

Federal law does not require one state to honor another state's card. A card is a state document with state limits.

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States that accept out-of-state medical cards

Reported by state programs and policy groups as of 2025. Confirm details with the state before a trip.

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• Arizona: valid out-of-state card accepted. Patient limit is 2.5 oz.
• Arkansas: temporary patient card for out-of-state residents. Apply through the state.
• Hawaii: out-of-state registration, valid 60 days.
• Illinois: out-of-state card accepted at medical dispensaries. Adults 21 and older can buy at adult-use stores.
• Maine: out-of-state card accepted.
• Massachusetts: out-of-state card accepted.
• Michigan: out-of-state card accepted.
• Nevada: out-of-state card accepted.
• New Hampshire: out-of-state card accepted.
• New Mexico: out-of-state card accepted.
• Oklahoma: 30-day temporary license from the state. A fee applies.
• Oregon: out-of-state card accepted.
• Rhode Island: out-of-state card accepted.
• Washington, D.C.: out-of-state card accepted. Residents 21 and older can self-certify for medical cannabis.

States with no medical reciprocity

California, Colorado, Florida, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington do not accept out-of-state medical cards for purchase.

Of those, California, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Washington sell to adults 21 and older in adult-use stores. Florida and Pennsylvania sell only to state-registered patients.

Federal law and state lines

Cannabis is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. Moving cannabis from one state to another is a federal offense. That applies between two states with legal programs. Airport security and border checkpoints fall under federal authority.

How to check a state before travel

1. Find the state health department or cannabis authority page.
2. Look for an out-of-state patient or reciprocity section.
3. Note any fee, form, and wait time.
4. Call the dispensary. Store policy can be tighter than state law.
5. Carry a photo ID and the home-state card.

Numbers to know

• 38 states plus DC: medical programs.
• 24 states plus DC: adult-use programs.
• 13 states plus DC: reported out-of-state card acceptance.
• 0 states: legal cover for crossing a state line with cannabis.