There is widespread weed legalization from state to state. Yet cannabis consumers who travel can run into a real problem. When you leave your state, you can’t take it with you. That’s because federally, weed is still illegal.
It’s a big country and sometimes you gotta get where you’re going by plane. Air travel is governed by the Transportation Security Administration. Currently, the TSA only makes allowances for medical users. But even if you have a medical use license, you can still potentially get in legal trouble.
For recreational weed users, there are no real TSA exemptions. So, if you can’t bring your stash with you, are you straight out of luck? Not necessarily.
There are recreational states that do allow you to buy with an out-of-state license. Let’s take a look at local cannabis laws.
Colorado is a popular tourist destination. There’s Rocky Mountain National Park. Skiers flock to Vail and Aspen. Suffice to say, there’s much to see and do.
For 420 enthusiasts, Colorado is special. It was the first state to legalize both medical and recreational cannabis.
Cool, but what does it mean for our jurisdiction tokers?
For Colorado locals, you have to be 21 or older to buy recreational weed. With a medical license, you can shop dispensaries as young as 18 years old. Out-of-state visitors can buy as much marijuana as residents. Tourists merely need a valid form of ID, such as a driver’s license from their own local.
So, that’s a big yes for buying buds recreationally, even if you aren’t a Colorado native.
In Colorado, both residents and guests are limited to 1 oz of cannabis flower.
The law further specifies that to be equal to 8 grams of concentrate or 800 milligrams of edibles. That’s just one of those not all three. They will add the weight of the weed together.
Arizona is another place people like to visit.
What’s there? There’s Hoover Dam – that’s really interesting.
Deserts are everywhere.
Oh, yeah, and they also have the Grand Canyon. It’s a big attraction.
What’s the situation with legalization?
First of all, recreational cannabis became legal there in 2021. State law allows local residents who are 21 years or older to buy cannabis. And medical marijuana is allowable for 18-year-olds and up.
But can you buy weed there if you’re just visiting? Tourists can indeed buy cannabis with a valid legal ID. As with Colorado, a driver’s license will do ya.
Therefore, Arizona gets a thumbs up for being friendly to out-of-state stoners.
Now in Arizona, visitors get to buy up to an ounce of bud. Both concentrates and edibles are limited to 5 grams. Again, that’s the total amount. So, authorities will add them collectively. And officials will penalize you for going over the ounce limit – or the equivalent in concentrates and/or edibles.
How about the ‘Land of Lincoln’ as Illinois is known?
You may decide to go visit Illinois for a number of reasons.
Chicago is one of the biggest tourist destinations.
There are museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues aplenty in the Windy City. But Illinois also boasts a number of pleasant parks and scenic drives along Lake Michigan. Consequently, you likely will find much to do while on vacation there.
How is the local ganja scene? In 2020, cannabis consumption for recreational users became allowable by law in Illinois. Medical licenses are available for those with qualifying medical conditions. In both medical and recreational instances, you have to be at least 21 years old.
Residents can buy 30 grams of marijuana or up to 500 grams of THC. Thus, they restrict the amount of the psychotropic element in pot. So, you can get less of higher-level THC cannabis.
And are visitors allowed to buy Illinois herbs?
The answer is once again a resounding yes. As with the other places above, tourists just need a driver's license or other legal ID.
That said, the Illinois legal situation is a bit more complex. It’s still good, but there’s more you must pay attention to.
The rules in Illinois for pot products, between residents and visitors, are not the same. Tourists are restricted to half the legal limit that residents can buy - 15g of flower or 250g of THC. And only purchasing 2.5 grams of concentrates. And those as well as edibles count towards the 250 grams of THC.
Cities like Gulfport, along the Illinois border, may get traffic from those wanting to cross state lines. But taking the weed back over to another state is illegal.
So, what have we learned?
In none of the areas above are you allowed to take any dispensary purchases back out of state.
You have to consume your cannabis while you are there on vaycay.
Also, all of the places we looked at do allow provisioning center purchases for people who come from out of state. However, there are limits to how much herb each of them allows.
Now, you’re not going to fill up a trash bag with ganja goodies in any of the above locations. All these places put restrictions on how much marijuana even locals can buy. Generally, visitors have the same restrictions or more.
Okay so, did you think we’d take you this far without some recreational discounts on weed?
Whether you’re a resident or visitor, you can save on your bud.
Cannasaver offers the best dispensary deals and coupons with savings of up to 75% on ounces, concentrates, shatter, wax, edibles, and more.
Simply search by area in the top-left search bar, or click on Featured Stores to find dispensaries nearest you!
Sign up now
