The legalization of medical cannabis across states has left patients celebrating. However, it has also left many wondering, “Can I use my medical cannabis card in another state?” If you have a California medical cannabis card and want to use it in Nevada, you’ll need to read this.
For starters, California legalized medical cannabis before Nevada, and the amount of medical cannabis one can possess in each state is different. If you’re traveling between the two states, you may need to know if Nevada clinics will accept your California medical cannabis card. While some states offer reciprocity for visiting patients with an out-of-state medical cannabis card, most do not, further creating the need to know how the law works in Nevada.
In addition, federal law still considers cannabis illegal, which can create legal complications when traveling across state lines with medical cannabis. As a result, patients may wonder if their California medical cannabis card will be valid in Nevada.
California Medical Cannabis Card
California law on cannabis allows users aged 21 years and above to buy and possess upto an ounce of cannabis without a medical cannabis card. However, having a card provides several benefits. The card is state-issued and allows you to purchase and possess medical cannabis in California legally, and offers the following benefits:
- It allows you to purchase cannabis from medical dispensaries anywhere in the state legally. This gives you access to a broader range of products with higher potencies of THC and CBD, which are recommended for those suffering from qualifying conditions like chronic pain or cancer.
- Eliminates the need to pay retail sales taxes, saving you 7 percent on cannabis purchases and thousands of dollars throughout the year if you regularly purchase medical cannabis products.
- Medical cannabis use is exempted from the 15% excise tax in California, leading to lower prices and more affordable access to medical cannabis products.
- As a medical cannabis patient, you are allowed to possess far more than one ounce and grow more than six plants.
- You have access to more potent cannabis, which is not always available to recreational users.
- Some states have laws protecting cannabis users’ employment rights, and having a medical cannabis card can provide more peace of mind.
If you wish to get a California medical cannabis card, you must first obtain a recommendation from a licensed physician stating you have a qualifying medical condition. Then, after getting the request, you need to apply for a card through the California Department of Public Health or a third-party provider.
Using CA Medical Cannabis Card in NV
As a CA medical cannabis cardholder, you can use your card in Nevada. However, you must follow Nevada’s laws and regulations regarding medical cannabis use. The rules governing medical cannabis use in the two states create a huge difference in the amount of product you should possess, cultivate, and purchase.
In California, you can possess up to eight ounces of dried cannabis and maintain up to six mature or 12 immature cannabis plants per qualified patient. In Nevada, medical cannabis patients can possess up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis and grow up to 12 mature plants.
If you’re a California medical cannabis patient, you can purchase medical cannabis from Nevada dispensaries legally. However, you must provide a clear picture of the front and back of your Nevada DMV driver’s license or identification card.
Understanding the differences between California and Nevada medical cannabis laws and regulations ensures you’re using your card legally and safely.
Tips for Using California Medical Cannabis Card in Nevada
If you have a California medical cannabis card and plan to use it in Nevada, you are in luck. The two states have reciprocity, meaning that Nevada dispensaries will accept a California recommendation as long as you have a passport or a non-Nevada ID. Therefore, all you need to do to use your California prescription in Nevada is visit the Nevada dispensary with your California recommendation and non-Nevada ID.
But before you start using your card, there are a few things you can do to make the most of your California card in Nevada:
- Research dispensaries in Nevada before visiting: Take your time to look for dispensaries with a good reputation and high-quality products. You can do this by reading online reviews or asking for recommendations from friends who have used dispensaries in Nevada.
- Consider dosage limits: In Nevada, the legal limit for possession of cannabis is one ounce of flower or 3.5 grams of concentrate. Understanding the limitations ensures you purchase what you need.
- Recreational use: Unlike California, where you can possess far more than one ounce and grow more than six plants for recreational use, in Nevada, you can possess up to one ounce of cannabis and grow up to six plants per person. And up to 12 plants per household.
Getting a Nevada Medical Cannabis Card
Having a Nevada medical cannabis card means that a person with a qualifying debilitating medical condition has applied for and obtained a valid Nevada Medical cannabis Program card. This card exempts the cardholder from criminal laws of the state for engaging in the medical use of cannabis.
To apply for a medical cannabis card in Nevada, you need to scan the back of your driver’s license or state ID card to a JPG, PNG, or TIF file and create an account on the MM Portal website. The application process requires a clear picture/copy of the front and back of your Nevada DMV driver’s license or identification card. Once your card is approved, you can shop in a dispensary and grow your plants.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the rules and regulations for using a medical cannabis card in different states ensures you are using your card legally and safely. In addition, it’s important to understand that federal law still considers cannabis illegal, which can create legal complications when traveling across state lines with medical cannabis.
Planet 13 Is Your Cannabis Products Plug
Planet 13 is a popular cannabis dispensary located in Las Vegas, Nevada. We have a wide selection of cannabis products and 24/7 operating hours. In addition, we have medical and recreational cannabis products, including flowers, edibles, concentrates, and more. So whether you want medical or recreational cannabis, you’ll get what you want from our menu.
