Medical marijuana might improve your health, but it’s worth asking, “Can I travel with medical cannabis?” Sometimes the answer is yes. Other times, it’s a resounding no. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to travel safely with medical marijuana.
Which Modes of Transportation Allow Me to Carry Medical Cannabis?
If you need to travel with medical cannabis, you’ll want to choose the proper mode of transportation. Different transportation methods have different rules and regulations, so you’ll need to do some research before hitting the road.
Airplanes
If you’ve ever flown from one state to another, you’ll know the security checkpoints can be rigorous. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers will scan your baggage, scan you, and sometimes perform randomly selected in-depth screenings. Even some items you might consider necessary are on their no-fly list.
Over 30 U.S. states have medical marijuana programs that legalize cannabis for certain medical conditions. However, traveling with marijuana products by plane (both in your carry-on and check-in baggage) is illegal. If you need to bring medical cannabis on your trip, choose a different mode of transportation.
The TSA is responsible for protecting passengers and keeping airlines safe. Although TSA officers don’t search specifically for illegal substances, they will contact local law enforcement if they find them. You could face hefty fines and imprisonment for carrying federally illegal drugs.
Buses and Trains
You may think, “I can’t take my marijuana on the plane, but can I travel with medical cannabis on a bus or train?” The answer is yes and no. Some public transportation companies allow it, but others (like Amtrak and Greyhound) forbid the transference or consumption of marijuana nationwide.
Buses and trains are a popular way to travel long distances, either within a state or cross-country. However, you’ll want to check the rules and regulations for each company before bringing medical marijuana onto their public vehicle. Especially keep this in mind if you plan to take multiple trains or buses during your trip to avoid fines, penalties, and a ruined schedule.
Boats and Ferries
While roadways often have clearly marked boundaries between states, waterways don’t. This means you could mistakenly go from one place that legalizes marijuana to someplace that doesn’t, facing due penalties even if you have your medical cannabis card. Don’t test medical marijuana laws—keep your weed off boats and ferries.
Automobiles
If you have to travel with medical cannabis, we recommend traveling in your own car. Renting cars and borrowing vehicles can complicate things, but your personal ride will give you the most freedom on the road. You should always travel with your medical cannabis card and check your destination’s medical marijuana laws.
Can I Travel Internationally with Medical Marijuana?
Don’t travel internationally with medical marijuana—plain and simple. International transportation systems are much stricter about security and screenings, so you probably won’t make it very far. In addition, many countries have severe penalties for drug possession.
Will My Medical Cannabis Card Work in Other States?
If you have an official medical cannabis card, you may wonder, “Can I travel with medical cannabis and use my card in a different state?” The answer isn’t a simple yes or no.
Most states that have legalized medical or recreational marijuana don’t permit you to bring it from another state. You must buy it there for it to be legal. That said, we recommend leaving your weed at home and purchasing it fresh in a different state when you get there.
In some states, you can buy cannabis products without showing your medical marijuana cards. These include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Washington
- Vermont
- Virginia
Get Medical Cannabis from LeafMed
LeafMed is a licensed, approved dispensary under the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Program. We can help you get the needed products and answer important questions like “can I travel with medical cannabis?” Contact us today to learn more.