So you’re a holder of a Medical Marijuana (MMJ) card in Massachusetts, but what does that mean for you when traveling? Are you allowed to take medical marijuana with you? Can you buy medical marijuana in other states? Let’s dive into what the benefits of having a Massachusetts MMJ card are and where you stand in terms of traveling.
MMJ Card Benefits
First things first, what are the benefits of being an MMJ card holder in MA? The main reason people go through the process of getting an MMJ card is for tax relief purposes. Those who are using medical marijuana to treat or manage a medical condition pay significantly lower taxes than those purchasing marijuana for recreational use in Massachusetts.
MMJ card holders can also grow more marijuana plants at home than recreational users, with medical marijuana patients being able to grow up to 12 flowering plants and 12 vegetative plants. You can also gain permission to legally possess higher quantities of marijuana than recreational users. The amount you can possess is usually up to 60 days of your prescribed dosage, with a maximum limit of 10 ounces.
So if you would like to pay less for your marijuana and be able to grow more at home, it is definitely worth looking into the easiest and cheapest way to get approved for a Massachusetts MMJ online.
Traveling Safely
Unfortunately, due to marijuana remaining illegal on a federal level in the United States, traveling with medical marijuana is not as easy as you might imagine. That’s why it’s important that you do your homework and have a plan if you frequently use medical marijuana.
Within Massachusetts
In terms of traveling within MA, with a Massachusetts MMJ card you are legally allowed to be in possession of your prescribed amount of medical marijuana and can purchase medical marijuana from dispensaries state-wide.
You can travel with medical marijuana on your person, but it is not permitted to consume marijuana products in public. Remember that it is still a controlled substance just like alcohol, so you must also keep marijuana in a closed container when traveling in any vehicle.
Between US States
However, despite being legalized in Massachusetts and many other states, federal law makes it illegal to cross state lines with medical or recreational marijuana. You cannot take marijuana between states on planes, trains or boats for the same reason. This means if you rely on medical marijuana to manage a medical condition then you may have to do some planning ahead.
There is some good news, though. If you are planning a trip to a US state which has reciprocity laws in place then you will be able to use your Massachusetts MMJ card to purchase medical marijuana. These states include Rhode Island, Florida, New Jersey, Utah and Minnesota.
It is worth checking out the laws in advance, because some will have different requirements to others. For example, in New Hampshire, you will only be eligible if you suffer from one of the conditions approved in New Hampshire.
Depending on your condition, there may be some work-around solutions if you cannot purchase marijuana on your trip. For example, you may be able to find legal alternatives that will help you manage in the short-term while you are traveling such as using CBD patches to manage chronic pain.
Alternatively, in states where the recreational use of marijuana is legal, visitors are usually able to purchase marijuana as long as they can provide a state-issued ID. This means you will have to pay some additional taxes which you are usually exempt from in Massachusetts, but means you will be able to continue enjoying the health and well-being benefits of marijuana.
International
As marijuana is illegal on a federal level and therefore banned from airplanes and boats, it is not possible to take marijuana from Massachusetts to another country. Mailing marijuana and products containing marijuana is also prohibited, even to countries where marijuana is a legalized substance.
To Summarize
Traveling with medical marijuana is quite complex due to its conflicting legality on a state vs. federal level. It is illegal to transport marijuana out of state, so you will need to research the laws in your destination to see if your Massachusetts MMJ card will be accepted. If not but you are traveling to a destination where marijuana is legal then you should be able to access it, although it is likely to be a little more expensive.
It depends on your personal situation as to which solutions are most suitable. If your condition is not severe, then you may be able to cope with your medical marijuana for the duration of your trip, or supplement it with CBD products which are more readily available.
