An article from United Patient’s Group, provides some useful tips and information about traveling with Marijuana.
Our Marijuana lawyers in Los Angeles, realize that for patients, traveling with marijuana can be difficult. Particularly when traveling to out-of-state destinations.
An individual who is a properly registered medical marijuana patient in their state should not have any issues traveling locally with marijuana.
When traveling outside the county where a medical marijuana patient lives they should be aware that some counties are able to set their own laws regarding the maximum amount of marijuana that can be on an individuals person.
It is important to know the laws of the state in which you reside – including the state minimum.
If an individual with a marijuana license is traveling out of their county and the minimum amount allowed will not be enough then it might be possible to acquire temporary privileges at a dispensary located in the area where the patient is staying.
More information about this may be available at the dispensary a patient presently uses. The state’s website might also be a good source of information.
In all cases, whether traveling within the state or out of the state a patient should never travel with marijuana plants. Some states allow the growing of medical marijuana but typically the transportation of plants is highly restricted.
Usually there are only very specific situations in which a patient may travel with a marijuana plant including:
- When the patient is moving between residences.
- When a caregiver is transporting plants between different patient’s residences.
- When a caregiver or patient is transporting plants from a dispensary to a private residence.
Due to differing marijuana laws between states it is much more difficult to transport plants across state lines.
Even if a patient is properly registered to possess marijuana in their home state this does not automatically mean they can bring marijuana with them to a state without comparable marijuana laws.
It is also important to know that a federal authorities may be able to place a patient under arrest of they cross state lines with marijuana for violating federal drug trafficking laws.
Even if two states have reciprocity regarding their marijuana licensing it is likely a requirement to obtain the proper registration in the new state. Also, if traveling between two states with reciprocity, patients should be sure their home state borders the destination state because they will not be protected in a third state.
In general, it is always preferable to travel by car when traveling with medical marijuana. Private train and bus companies may be able to remove passengers for possessing medical marijuana or for appearing to be under the influence.
Flying with marijuana is even more complex because airports and airplanes are considered under the jurisdiction of the federal government. This means a patient may be arrested for possessing medical marijuana.
Marijuana laws are complicated and differ between jurisdictions. The Los Angeles CANNABIS LAW Group represents growers, dispensaries, collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call us at 949-375-4734.
Additional Resources:
Study shows non-hallucinogenic cannabinoids are effective anti-cancer drugs, Oct. 14, 2013, St. George’s, University of London
More Blog Entries:
U.S. Attorney General: It’s Time for Drug Sentencing Reform, Aug. 15, 2013, Los Angeles Marijuana Lawyer Blog