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Missouri medical marijuana patients can travel for the holidays without giving up cannabis.
We’ve covered this topic before, but with holiday travel on the horizon, it’s worth mentioning again. The holidays can be one of the most magical times of the year, and they can also be one of the most stressful. Traveling with medical marijuana requires a bit of preparation, but it’s worth the effort, and you deserve all the tidings of comfort that you can get.
If you don’t yet have a Missouri marijuana card, it’s not too late. Schedule an appointment for an evaluation with a marijuana doctor today, to make the holidays truly the most wonderful time of the year - with legal natural relief!
The Holidays are Better With Medical Marijuana!
The holidays should be a time of celebration as we look back at the past year and look toward the future with hope in our heart. This time of year can also be difficult.
Millions of Americans suffer from seasonal depression each winter. Holiday shopping amidst frustrated crowds can be anxiety inducing, not to mention the financial strain caused by all those purchases. Visiting family, while joyous, often has its own set of baggage that can take a toll on your mental health.
You deserve to focus on the joy of the holidays without suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, or any of the hundreds of ailments that can be effectively treated with medical marijuana.
If you’ve got a Missouri marijuana card, this holiday season could be the first time in a long time that you’ve been able to truly enjoy the holidays, due to the relief that cannabis provides. You deserve to feel your best, physically and mentally while celebrating with family and friends, as this year comes to a close.
Of course, it’s important to remember that the pandemic isn’t over yet. You’ll still want to follow any restrictions and safety precautions related to COVID to keep yourself and loved ones safe. Honestly, you’ll hardly even notice those extra precautions when you can alleviate your stress by taking a quick hit off your vape pen whenever you choose.
Traveling with medical marijuana in Missouri is safe and legal (as long as you’re not driving, flying a plane, or operating a sleigh while impaired), and the decorations, celebrations, holiday treats and light displays—are all something to behold when you’re feeling good.
Traveling with medical marijuana outside of Missouri gets a little more complicated, and it might require a bit of planning ahead depending on your mode of transportation and your personal risk tolerance. However, it can still be done smoothly and legally in most cases.
Universal Dos and Don'ts for Traveling With Medical Marijuana
Do: Lock your cannabis safely away in an odor-proof container.
Don’t: Put cannabis in your glove compartment, back seat, or a bag on the floor.
Do: Keep your products in their original container.
Do: Keep your Missouri marijuana card with you at ALL TIMES .
Don’t: Drive with expired tags or without valid insurance.
Do: Follow all traffic laws.
Don’t: Drive like you’re afraid of getting caught doing something illegal. You’re not on the naughty list, so don’t act like it.
Do: Check state laws related to medical and adult-use marijuana if you are traveling out-of-state. It’s worth doing a quick Google search to stay safe and informed.
Don’t: Take medical marijuana onto Federal lands and monuments.
Do: Enjoy the holidays like never before by giving yourself the gift of natural relief!
Do: Take tons of photos with family and friends as you celebrate an unforgettable holiday season!
Traveling in Missouri With Medical Marijuana
If you have that Missouri marijuana card, you can travel as you normally would. This includes driving, riding the bus, taking an Uber or Lyft, bicycling, riding in a boat, or a one-horse open sleigh. As long as you are not impaired, and your cannabis products are locked safely away and out of reach, you are good to go.
Make sure you have your Missouri marijuana card on you at all times. You never know when someone is going to ask to see it. Keep your products in their original containers, and be discreet when using cannabis, especially if you are out and about. If you are in a place where a marijuana odor might be problematic, stick to edibles and tinctures to be safe.
Traveling With Medical Marijuana When Leaving Missouri
Remember, marijuana is still Federally illegal. This means that visiting a reciprocal state is really the only legal way to make sure you get to maintain your medicinal cannabis regimen while you’re traveling if you exit Missouri. Technically, you’re not allowed to cross state lines with marijuana, even with a doctor’s recommendation, even if you are traveling to a state where marijuana is legal.
But some practices are safer than others. We’re going to look at your options, but before we do, please heed this word of caution:
This author is not a legal expert. Any choice you make to travel with cannabis is at your own risk. I have made every effort to ensure the information contained in this post is accurate and up-to-date, but laws are constantly changing, and I am not an attorney.
Additionally, we are all aware of the fact that some groups of people are at a higher risk than others of running into trouble with law enforcement. If you are in a high-risk group, we advise you to use extreme caution when traveling with cannabis. Whatever you do, know your rights related to medical marijuana before you travel.
No Risk: Driving or Flying to a Reciprocal or Recreational State, Buying Once You’re There
There are several states that recognize and honor out-of-state marijuana cards. Some of these locations will allow you to shop at their dispensaries.
Additionally, recreational marijuana is legal in eighteen states, as well as Washington D.C. and Guam. While products are probably not as great as medical-grade cannabis, you can still purchase marijuana as long as you have a valid state ID that shows your age.
Traveling empty-handed to a state that either reciprocates your Missouri marijuana card or has legal adult-use cannabis, then making your purchase when you arrive, is the safest way to travel between states and still enjoy the natural relief marijuana provides.
If you are traveling to a state that reciprocates your Missouri marijuana card, then you’ll want to contact a dispensary in that state to confirm the requirements for fulfilment. Arkansas, for example, requires that you fill out a visiting patient application, and it may take some time to process. Once you have a visiting patient card, however, you can shop at any Arkansas dispensary for your medicine. Other states have similar requirements. Call in advance so you know what to expect before you travel.
Low-to-Medium Risk: Driving to a Reciprocal or Recreational State With Your Cannabis in Tow
This is a sticky topic, legally. Technically, it is illegal to cross state lines with cannabis, even if marijuana is legal in both states. But some states have either decriminalized marijuana possession, recognize medical cards from other states, or have recreational laws in place.
This means that even if you get caught with cannabis, the worst you’ll get is a fine. Be sure to check the laws in each state you intend to travel to, so you are aware of the laws and are prepared for consequences if they should arise.
As long as you are following all traffic laws, your tags are up-to-date, and your cannabis is locked in the trunk, your odds of getting caught are fairly low.
High Risk (NOT RECOMMENDED): Flying Anywhere With Your Cannabis in Tow
Look, it’s possible you *might* get away with bringing cannabis into an airport. But we don’t recommend trying to fly anywhere with medical marijuana in your bags. The reason is that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency. If you get caught with marijuana in your baggage, they are required by law to report you to local authorities.
That being said, their website says this about traveling with marijuana:
“TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. Accordingly, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.”
Get a Missouri Marijuana Card to Celebrate the Holidays in Style
While there are risks involved in traveling with medical marijuana and you need to do a little planning ahead, in most instances, you can make sure you’re getting natural relief so that you can enjoy the holidays.
The Department of Health and Senior Services is taking up to 30 days to process marijuana card applications right now, so we advise you to get your evaluation completed so you can get your card before Christmas.
Having one is the only way to legally enjoy the benefits of medical marijuana, and Missouri dispensaries each have such a unique vibe that will most likely include some special products for the holidays.
Give yourself the gift of natural relief. Get your Missouri marijuana card today!
You deserve the natural relief that medical marijuana provides. Missouri residents can enjoy that relief, but only with a valid medical card. Our medical staff are standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify for a Missouri medical marijuana card. Schedule an appointment with a marijuana doctor online by CLICKING HERE, or give us a call at (877) 303-3117 to talk to a patient support representative.
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Missouri Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (877) 303-3117, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Missouri Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Missouri