The Perfect Getaway: A Med Card and Missouri’s Scenic Route 66

You've got your Missouri medical cannabis card, or plan on getting one soon, and you love to travel. But how can you combine the two when you can’t legally take your cannabis across state lines?

While you can't bring your medication outside of the Show Me State, Missouri does offer a fun and unique vacation option perfect for in-state cardholders. The iconic US Route 66, spanning California to Illinois, runs right through Missouri. Along its Missouri stretch are a number of scenic destinations, along with plenty of highly rated medical cannabis dispensaries, making for the perfect weekend getaway for med card holders.

Enjoy the history of "The Mother Road" without ever finding yourself too far from legal cannabis.

Missouri Medical Dispensaries on Route 66

Whether starting in St. Louis, Joplin or anywhere in between, you can find a medical cannabis dispensary anytime the road speaks to you (or your supply needs replenishing).

Keep your eye on the road and on the lookout for these top-rated Missouri dispensaries.

Old Route 66 Wellness (Springfield, Ozark)

Old Route 66 Wellness is an excellent source for medical cannabis and inclusive ownership. The minority-, veteran-owned venture comes with over 500 5-star reviews from Missouri patients. Its Springfield location is a particularly easy find from Route 66. Meanwhile, the Ozark location is a perfect stop on your way to the Smallin Civil War Cave. 

N'Bliss Dispensary (Ellisville)

Billed as the first legal dispensary in Missouri, visit the historic N'Bliss dispensary when traveling between Ballwin and Wildwood.

Kind Goods (St. Peters, Manchester)

Kind Goods is perfect for drivers on the go in St. Peters or Manchester, boasting drive-thrus that allow patients to shop without leaving the car. Kind Goods comes with options, too – boasting a menu of over 300 cannabis products for patients. 

Star Buds (University City)

In addition to its location in University City, the multi-state Star Buds operates in Colorado, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Baltimore, and Jamaica. Its Missouri dispensary has received high marks for its service while maintaining a mom-and-pop shop vibe. 

BKind Dispensaries (Imperial, Concord)

Located in Concord and Imperial, BKind Dispensaries is a service leader in the St. Louis area. Be sure to drop in when in the area.

Proper Cannabis (St. Louis)

The award-winning Proper Cannabis has two St. Louis locations. You can also find the company's branded products at many other Missouri medical dispensaries in the state. 

Root 66 (St. Louis)

The cheekily named, St. Louis-based Root 66 lives up to its branding, embracing plant medicine to the fullest. The dispensary offers a natural medicine experience complete with discounts for veterans, seniors, and low-income ID holders.

Iconic Sites & Fun Activities Along Route 66

A tour of Missouri medical marijuana dispensaries along Route 66 is enough fun. But the historic stretch of road offers much more than cannabis, from natural wonders to landmark locations.

Gateway Arch (St. Louis)

The iconic Arch is regarded as the country's tallest monument, making it a can't miss from the highway – or a much more up-close look if you can stop in the city. You won't regret the detour if you can swing it.  

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (St. Louis)

This is a perfect slice of modern-day progress and Missouri history. Opening in 1929 and serving as one of the original crossings allowing Route 66 to reach over the mighty Mississippi River, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge was converted into the Route 66 Bikeway in 1999. 

Six Flags St. Louis (Eureka)

Six Flags is synonymous with roller coasters and thrill-seekers in America. Stop by while in Eureka to exercise those legs and give your car a rest. 

Lake of the Ozarks (Brumley)

It's a bit off the path but well worth the trip. The Lake of the Ozarks is a must-see for anyone searching for Missouri's best views or beaches. 

Highway 66 Welcome Center (Conway)

The Conway Official Missouri Welcome Center serves as the destination for all things helpful and informative about Route 66. Best of all, it still has the old-era vibe, providing a blast from the past as you plan your upcoming journey.

Route 66 Car Museum (Springfield)

Speaking of the past, car lovers and history aficionados can see some of the exquisite automobiles that graced Route 66 at the Car Museum in Springfield. 

Fantastic Caverns (Springfield)

While in Springfield, be sure to take in the natural geological formations of Fantastic Caverns. Best of all? You can drive through the cave system, so you never have to leave the car. 

George Washington Carver National Monument (Diamond)

The Diamond-based George Washington Carver memorial is billed as the first national monument dedicated to both an African American and non-president.

Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center (Joplin)

The state-run protected area in the southwest of the state offers some of Missouri's most beautiful biological wonders from the plant and animal kingdoms. It’s a scenic way to start or end your trip across Missouri’s Route 66.

A Few Notes Before Planning Your Trip Down Scenic Route 66

A weekend excursion through Missouri's Route 66 should be an easy, joyous journey. So, while traveling, medical cardholders should keep these few points in mind to avoid any headaches: 

• Never drive under the influence of cannabis (or any other substances).
• Don't let your passengers use cannabis in the car. Even if you're sober, the smell of cannabis in your car can give an officer probable cause to search the vehicle and possibly charge you with a DUID.
• Keep your medical marijuana card with you at all times.
• Keep cannabis products sealed and away from your person when driving. If possible, secure your medicine in the trunk of your car or well out of reach.
• Don't take your cannabis onto federal lands. US law continues to prohibit the use of either recreational or medical marijuana, and possessing cannabis on federal lands – even in legal states – can lead to federal charges. You shouldn't encounter many spots along Route 66 that fall under this law, but it’s something every Missourian should keep in mind when approaching Fort Leonard Wood Military Reservation or the Mark Twain National Forest.
• Per 19 CSR 30-95.030, you can't consume medical marijuana in a public place unless it's provided for by law. Public places are defined as any public or private space that is open to the general public. And while efforts to pass a bill to allow MMJ use at hotels and Airbnb’s didn’t succeed, there are cannabis friendly rentals where consumers can take their medication.
• While Missouri doesn’t have reciprocity laws allowing out-of-state medical patients to purchase cannabis, and you aren’t allowed to carry cannabis over state lines, Section 1, subsection 5(1) of Article XIV provides that a person who produces an “equivalent identification card or authorization issued by another state or political subdivision of another state” will not be subject to arrest or other sanctions under Missouri law for possession of marijuana in quantities less than the limits for qualified Missouri patients.

Missouri offers plenty of natural wonders, history and high-quality medical cannabis to consume on your weekend journey along Route 66. So to all Missouri medical cardholders: stay safe, remember to follow all state and local regulations while traveling, and have a wonderful trip!

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Ready to get your Missouri medical cannabis card? We're happy to help! Just do us a solid and share some of your favorite Route 66 pictures when you return from your trip.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.