In the context of the cannabis industry, reciprocity is a policy to recognize the legitimacy of medical marijuana cards between two states so patients can access and enjoy medical marijuana when visiting another state. 

“I can use my medical marijuana card from California in Nevada thanks to Nevada’s reciprocity.”

What is reciprocity?

Generally speaking, reciprocity is defined as the exchange of goods or services for mutual gain. Reciprocity in cannabis refers to the ability of a medical marijuana patient with a card and doctor’s recommendation in one state to purchase marijuana from a licensed medical marijuana facility in another state.

Reciprocity is determined on a state-by-state basis, with some states embracing it, some not, and some offering a version of it. Reciprocity also applies to legal protections that come with having a medical marijuana card, ensuring traveling patients don’t get arrested for possession or have their medicine confiscated.

To see which states accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards, check out the medical marijuana laws section of Leafly’s Guide to marijuana legalization.