Can I Travel with Medical Marijuana in Florida?
Medical marijuana has emerged as one of the best substitutes for conventional pharmaceuticals for treating many chronic diseases. However, due to the varying state laws, you should know where to travel with medical marijuana products if you have a prescription.
Over a hundred distinct compounds, or cannabinoids, are found in the marijuana plant, and each one uniquely affects your body. Marijuana has two main cannabinoids:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has psychoactive properties and therefore creates a high and euphoric sensation.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is non-psychoactive and well-known for its potential health benefits.
You can bring any CBD product with a THC content of less than 0.3% on your travels because they do not have any psychoactive effects. State-by-state differences in legal requirements apply when traveling with products with a THC content above 0.3%.
Medical Marijuana Laws
In 18 states, two territories, and Washington DC, marijuana usage for medical and recreational uses is now legal as of November 2021. In addition, Washington, DC, four territories, and 37 states have all approved the medical use of cannabis products as of February 2022.
Tens of thousands of individuals in Florida now have access to the medicinal marijuana they require via vaporizers, tinctures, sprays, pill capsules, sweets, or topical applications, thanks to the implementation of a complete medical cannabis program in the state. The following criteria apply to comprehensive medicinal cannabis programs:
- Protection from criminal consequences for cannabis use
- Cannabis access via home growing, dispensaries, or another mechanism
- Permits a variety of products or strains, regardless of THC content
- Allows for the smoking or vaping of various cannabis products, such as plant material or extracts.
- Is not a limited-time trial program
On the other hand, 11 states have legalized using low-THC, high-CBD products for medical purposes under specific circumstances or as a legal defense. Despite recent legislative reforms regarding medical and recreational usage, marijuana of any type is still not allowed at the federal level.
Traveling with Medical Marijuana
Since federal legislation controls flight travel, it is currently forbidden to bring marijuana on board. However, there remains a legal gray area when flying with medical marijuana. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that CBD products (THC less than 0.3%) are authorized in carry-on and checked bags. However, medicinal marijuana products are still federally prohibited.
TSA Screenings of Medical Marijuana
The TSA’s security screenings aim to find potential dangers to the aircraft and its occupants. Security personnel is not actively looking for marijuana or other illegal narcotics, but the TSA will contact local law enforcement if they discover any unlawful substances. The TSA officer has the final say on whether to permit any substances through the security checkpoint. Even while you might escape legal consequences, you risk missing your trip or losing possession of your medical marijuana.
It is crucial to remember that for your medical marijuana card to be effective; you must be moving between states that have legalized medical marijuana and that accept out-of-state cards as reciprocal. It is always a good idea to check the most recent regulations for the states or nations you will visit before you travel. The likelihood of receiving a sentence is low, but anyone found guilty of trafficking cannabis might still be sentenced to up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000. Typically, high-volume cannabis distributors face these sanctions.
Traveling on a Train with Medical Marijuana
If you are traveling by train in the United States, Amtrak is currently the only passenger railroad service that operates regularly scheduled long-distance intercity trains. Transporting marijuana in any form is forbidden on all Amtrak buses, trains, and stations, even in places where its recreational or medical use is allowed.
Do Other States Allow the Use of Medical Marijuana Cards?
Remember that most state laws require cannabis items to be purchased within state borders to be legal, even if certain states may honor your medical marijuana card or permit recreational cannabis use. Therefore, the most secure course of action is to purchase new products within a state rather than run the danger of breaking federal and state laws by moving medicinal cannabis between state lines.
The following states and the District of Columbia currently recognize a Florida medicinal marijuana card:
- Arkansas
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Utah
Along with the states that will recognize your medical marijuana card, there are other states where recreational marijuana is legal, which means you can use marijuana for medical purposes without a medical marijuana card. These states are as follows:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Oregon
- Washington
- Vermont
- Virginia
Marijuana for recreational use is also legal in the District of Columbia and Guam.
Contact a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor Today!
As medical marijuana legislation and regulations evolve from time to time, more research into the benefits of medicinal marijuana in treating a variety of chronic diseases emerges. If you’re wondering if you qualify for medical marijuana as part of your treatment plan, fill out Med Card Today’s appointment form today to let Florida medical marijuana specialists evaluate if you qualify for a medical marijuana registration card.