Reciprocity

Pennsylvania is bordered by six states, making cross-border travel familiar, particularly for those in the southeastern and southern regions. Consequently, Pennsylvanians with medical marijuana cards often wonder if adjacent states honor their cards, granting them legal purchase rights during their travels. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of ‘reciprocity’ among neighboring states and those farther from Pennsylvania.

Understanding Reciprocity for Medical Marijuana Patients

To begin with, let’s clarify ‘reciprocity’ in the context of medical marijuana. Reciprocity refers to a state recognizing the legal statutes of another. In medical marijuana terms, it means that a person legally eligible to buy medical marijuana in one state can also purchase it in another.

Pennsylvania, however, does not reciprocate. Pennsylvania doesn’t allow cardholders from other states to purchase medical marijuana here.

Nevertheless, many states have some form of reciprocity, though its nature varies. Some states might reciprocate with specific conditions, some with a medical marijuana program, while others might do so with tight constraints.

States Recognizing Pennsylvania Medical Marijuana Cards in 2025

Several states acknowledge Pennsylvania’s medical marijuana cards. As of February 2024, the District of Columbia permits Pennsylvanians with valid cards to shop at DC dispensaries. On the other hand, New Jersey offers reciprocity, allowing out-of-state patients to make purchases for up to six months.

An intriguing case is Hawaii. While not offering traditional reciprocity, it allows non-residents to enroll in their medical marijuana program, with applications of patients with serious ailments typically getting priority.

Additionally, several states far from Pennsylvania offer some reciprocity, albeit with specific conditions. Pennsylvanians must remember that cannabis regulations are dynamic. Always verify a state’s stipulations before possessing or procuring cannabis within its limits.

States that reciprocate, albeit with certain conditions, include:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Maine
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire (only possession and with strict constraints)
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• Utah