Confused about traveling with cannabis? We don’t blame you! Navigating local laws and regulations can feel overwhelming, but the only way to partake safely and responsibly is to be informed.
Take a look below at our answers to basic questions about the intersection of cannabis and travel.
In what U.S. states and territories is recreational, adult-use cannabis legal?
Anyone over the age of 21 can stop into a dispensary Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Guam, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, the US Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Washington DC.
What U.S. states and territories allow medical cannabis only?
Approved medical patients can purchase cannabis in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.
What states allow neither medical nor recreational adult-use cannabis?
You won’t find recreational or medical dispensaries in Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, or Wyoming.
If I have a medical license in one state, can I use it in another?
That depends on where you’re going. Some states grant reciprocity, meaning that they allow patients with medical cannabis licenses from other states to possess and/or purchase medical cannabis.
Even if a state offers reciprocity, the requirements for a visitor’s medical cannabis license might not be the same as your home state. Before you travel, check the patient requirements and program regulations in the state you plan to visit.
Can I drive from state to state with cannabis?
Transporting cannabis across state lines is illegal (even if cannabis is legal in both states). If you are traveling between states, think about stashing your stash in a locked container and securing that container in the trunk.
Can I fly with cannabis?
The TSA operates according to federal laws, so flying with cannabis is technically off limits, even if you’re traveling within the same state. If TSA agents discover cannabis in your luggage, they’ll refer the case to local law enforcement officials to handle according to local laws.
Can I bring cannabis on a cruise?
Cruises also adhere to federal laws, so cannabis is not allowed on board.
Can I travel with CBD and/or low-THC products?
Hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC get the green light from TSA. If you purchased your product online and had it shipped to you, chances are you’re good to go.
Do cannabis dispensaries accept credit cards?
Credit cards operate on the federal banking system, which means paying with one is off limits in dispensaries. While some dispensaries accept debit cards, many are cash-only.
If the dispensary only takes cash and there’s no ATM on site, your budtender should be able to direct you to the closest one.
Can I consume cannabis in public?
Cannabis consumption laws vary by jurisdiction. Check the local laws, and act accordingly.
Even if you’re allowed to light up anywhere, always be a responsible traveler. You’re sharing a public area with others who might not want to partake, so be courteous and respect their space.
What countries allow adult-use, recreational cannabis?
Recreational cannabis is legal for adult use in Canada, Czechia, Georgia, Germany, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, South Africa, and Uruguay. Regulations in other nations range from loosely enforced decriminalized cannabis to strict bans with steep punishments. Make sure you’re informed about the local laws before you purchase or consume cannabis in any form.
What other questions about traveling with cannabis do you want answered? Let us know in the comments below.
