How To Travel To Non-Legal States With Michigan Marijuana
It's vacation season, and while it's great to get out into the world and travel, you may be reluctant to leave your favorite form of relaxation behind, especially if you're traveling to a state that has yet to legalize Marijuana.
Currently, only 37 of 50 states have legalized marijuana medically, with 19 allowing it recreationally. And, most of the states surrounding Michigan have not legalized... so if you're hitting the road, what are the rules for taking some of your Michigan grown goods with you?
Can I have marijuana I purchased in Michigan while in other states?
It depends on the state. While it may not be legal to purchase marijuana in many states, Twenty-seven states and the District of Columbia have decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. However, technically you aren't supposed to travel across state lines with marijuana purchased
This generally means certain small, personal-consumption amounts are a civil or local infraction, not a state crime. While it doesn't make it "legal" to have, it does mean you can have it without getting into trouble as long as you're being responsible with your consumption.
Can I buy THC products in outside states that don't have recreational marijuana?
Weirdly, due to a loophole in a law that was passed back in 2018, you can buy some THC products when you're in non-legal states.
The Farm Bill of 2018 was passed to originally help ban the sale of Marijuana moreso, but due to an error in the bill, it actually made it federally legal to sell products that are THC adjacent. Meaning any product that isn't just Delta 9, which is the organic "normal" version of THC that grows naturally.
So, you may see Delta 8, 9 or 10 products in non-legal states (the symbol looks like 8Δ) and these are just a type of THC that is slightly modified to be able to be sold. The effects are slightly different, but in a pinch the products are a great substitute.
(One of my personal favorite 8Δ products comes from my home state of Kentucky, and these gummies will make you forget you're far from home and without your normal goods. You can order them from any state here)
In some states, you may also find what are called "Dispensary grade" edibles, which are basically the exact same as what we can buy here in Michigan, they're just legally allowed in those non-legal states due to that loophole mentioned before.
What happens if I'm busted with my stash out of state?
Depends on the state... if it's a state that has decriminalized marijuana, as long as you're not carrying in a bulk amount that is more than they allow, you'll likely only get a slap on the wrist.
However, if you head to one of the few states who have still fully banned marijuana, you'll be subject to their local laws and regulations. Just because you purchased your greenery here in a legal state, does not mean you're exempt from their rules.
Safe travels, and good luck as you hit the road. Just make sure you're smart with what you do along the way.