Best ways to travel with your cannabis after purchasing from a dispensary in Charlotte, North Carolina
As North Carolina moves toward legalizing medical marijuana, it’s important to understand current and possible future rules and regulations concerning transporting purchased cannabis. While there are no formal laws on the books yet, we can look to other states as an indication of what to expect in the future.
What are the Current Laws for Medical Cannabis Possession?
North Carolina is only one of eleven remaining states with no approved medical cannabis program in the country. As such, possession of marijuana, even for medical use, is still partially illegal. North Carolina’s General Assembly has passed Senate Bill 711, named the NC Compassion Care Act, which contains a list of approved medical conditions for prescription medical cannabis. These include:
- Wasting or Cachexia Syndrome
- Cancer
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Epilepsy
- HIV/ AIDS
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Chron’s Disease
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- And More
For those with these conditions and for future users interested in receiving a medical marijuana prescription once it is fully legalized, understanding the current laws for cannabis transport is crucial.
2024 North Carolina Laws Regarding Transportation with Cannabis
Currently, possessing more than a half ounce of marijuana is a Class 3 misdemeanor with a maximum $200 fine. The sentencing can increase with larger amounts, up to a Class 1 felony with up to eight months imprisonment. However, once legalized, cannabis criminalization will no longer be in effect. While it will be legal, there are still rules in place that you must follow when travelling with cannabis, and we can look to states with legal medical marijuana legislation already in place as a guide.
Colorado Medical Cannabis Transportation Laws
By far, one of the most progressive medical marijuana states is Colorado, making it an excellent example of how to transport cannabis properly. Here are the transportation laws residents must follow:
- Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal, with an impairment level of 5 nanograms of THC as the legal limit.
- Neither the driver nor the passenger can have open cannabis packaging in the vehicle, even if it is stationary.
- It is against the law to cross state lines with marijuana in your car or on your person.
- Cannabis is not allowed at any airport.
- Cannabis is not allowed on any federal land or park.
Washington Medical Cannabis Transportation Laws
Washington Initiative 502 made cannabis legal, but it included strict transportation laws. They include:
- Possessing or travelling with cannabis under the age of 21 is illegal.
- Cannabis consumption within public view is prohibited.
- You are not allowed to cross state lines if you are travelling with cannabis.
- Driving with more than 5 nanograms of THC in your system is illegal.
- If you are an out-of-state visitor, you do not qualify for the same protections or benefits as Washington residents concerning marijuana possession; you are under the jurisdiction of your home state.
Alaska Medical Cannabis Transportation Laws
Alaska is still a relatively new state to legalize cannabis, and its laws are still evolving in regard to travelling and transportation. As such, it’s a great example for North Carolinians of what they can expect as the state newly legalizes cannabis.
- Anyone above the age of 21 can carry up to one ounce of marijuana with them.
- There are no specific transportation restrictions in place regarding marijuana in a vehicle.
- In certain Anchorage, you must carry your marijuana in your car’s trunk. If there is no trunk, you must keep it underneath the farthest back row of seats in a sealed, unopened container.
- No cannabis is allowed in airports or on planes, even if it is placed into checked luggage.
- Concerning travelling on ferries, possessing marijuana is illegal.
- Public cannabis consumption is illegal and can incur a $100 fine; this includes smoking on federal preserves and parks.
Oregon Medical Cannabis Transportation Laws
Oregon has its own set of laws regarding the transportation of marijuana, which includes:
- Transporting cannabis over state lines is illegal.
- Travelers can now fly with up to one ounce of marijuana with them in any Oregon airport as long as their destination remains within the state.
- All cannabis must be in a closed container when travelling in a vehicle.
California Medical Cannabis Transportation Laws
Like the above states, California has laws regarding the transportation of medical marijuana, both throughout the state and over state lines. They include the following:
- All cannabis containers must be closed while being transported within a vehicle. Possessing an open container of marijuana while riding or driving is illegal.
- All cannabis within a vehicle must be in a sealed container or package and placed inside the trunk.
- You cannot travel across state lines with cannabis.
- You cannot bring cannabis onto any federal land, including preserves and national parks.
- You cannot smoke cannabis where tobacco smoke isn’t allowed.
- Bringing cannabis into a hotel and/or smoking it on the property is at the discretion of the hotel itself. You should always check the applicable policy before bringing cannabis onto the property.
Maine Medical Cannabis Transportation Laws
Maine’s cannabis transportation laws vary from some of the other states, especially in regard to the amount of marijuana you are allowed to keep on your person or in your vehicle. They include:
- Everyone over 21 years of age can travel with cannabis legally within the state.
- You can travel with up to 2.5 ounces of cannabis at once, but you must not exceed 5 ounces.
- Medical cannabis patients over 18 and their caregivers can legally transport up to 8 pounds of cannabis.
Understanding the varying rules for travelling with cannabis in numerous states paints a good picture of what to expect once North Carolina legalizes cannabis. For more information on obtaining your medical marijuana card in Charlotte, visit Charlotte Marijuana Doctor. Our experienced team of trained healthcare professionals is committed to helping our patients receive access to the quality cannabis they need. Our friendly doctors are eager to help you get the relief you deserve. Contact us today!
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