Can You Bring Weed on a Plane? TSA Rules and Regulations Explained.

Get high anytime, anywhere? Before you say, “Let’s fly,” you might want to know the nitty-gritty of TSA’s policy on bringing weed on a plane. Intertwining federal laws, shifting state legislation, and airline regulations make this one tangled skyline.

Welcome aboard the flight, where we decode the intricacies of carrying cannabis while traversing the clouds. Fasten your seatbelts for an enlightening journey through the maze of legalese that awaits ahead!

Transporting marijuana through a TSA security checkpoint could lead to criminal charges due to federal laws. While TSA’s official stance is that marijuana is prohibited, they do not actively search for it.

However, it is crucial to note that some airports have their own rules or warnings about carrying marijuana, and certain airports may allow possession in accordance with state law.

However, TSA screening stations are still under federal jurisdiction. It is crucial to be cautious and aware of the marijuana laws that vary from state to state and individual airport policies, as possessing or transporting marijuana on airplanes remains illegal under federal law.

Legal Restrictions on Flying with Weed

As cannabis legalization sweeps across America, it begs the question: can you travel with weed? As tempting as it may seem to carry your stash while jet-setting, it is vital to understand the legal restrictions on flying with weed before packing up.

TSA rules state that marijuana and cannabis-infused products are illegal on the federal level, regardless of state legalization. Cannabis and THC are classified as Schedule I controlled substances by the federal government.

Therefore, any cannabis product that contains more than 0.3% THC is federally illegal to possess, even if a passenger has legally purchased it in a state or country where use is decriminalized for recreational or medical purposes.

That being said, TSA officers do not actively search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if they find them during the screening process, they are required to report it to local law enforcement. Law enforcement has the discretion to allow or prohibit passengers from traveling with marijuana.

According to TSA’s official website, “TSA’s screening procedures are focused on security and detecting potential threats” rather than looking for drugs specifically.

But, if an officer detects something suspicious during the screening process – including drugs – they will refer the matter to law enforcement for further investigation.

• The 2019 TSA Year In Review reported a 166% increase from the previous year in firearm discoveries from passengers trying to board airplanes, eclipsing any attempts to smuggle marijuana.
• According to data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN), there were only 61 incidents nationwide where someone was stopped at airport security for possession of marijuana in both checked and carry-on luggage between 2010 and 2015.
• A study done by the Boston Globe indicated that despite marijuana being illegal under federal law, it is still being brought aboard flights with increasing frequency – particularly in states where the drug has been legalized, such as Massachusetts. Furthermore, they reported only a handful of instances where airport security staff have detected passengers’ marijuana and referred them to local law enforcement in the last three years since legalization.

Federal Airline and TSA Rules

The differences between state and federal laws regarding cannabis make it difficult for passengers attempting to travel with cannabis-related items. Here’s what you need to know:

Federal Guidelines	State Guidelines
All cannabis products containing over 0.3% THC are federally illegal	Cannabis may be legal on a state level (24 states have legalized recreational use)
Air transportation of cannabis across State lines continues to be illegal	LAX and several other airports now allow passengers to possess marijuana in compliance with state law
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal agency and its security stations adhere to federal laws	Some adult-use states still have airports that prohibit marijuana on their property

While it may be tempting to bring cannabis products or CBD oil with you on a flight, it is not recommended as TSA security stations are under federal jurisdiction and abide by federal laws. Transporting marijuana through a TSA security checkpoint could lead to criminal charges.

Moreover, certain airports have their own rules or warnings about carrying marijuana. For example, Denver International Airport prohibits marijuana possession on their property despite Colorado being a legal cannabis state.

It’s important to keep in mind that security dogs used at airports are no longer trained to detect the odor of marijuana. That being said, it’s recommended to avoid traveling with cannabis-related items as much as possible to avoid any potential legal consequences.

For instance, some airports have implemented cannabis amnesty boxes where travelers can dispose of their weed before going through TSA. Ohio is the most recent state to legalize recreational marijuana in 2023, but this does not prevent airport authorities from implementing their own rules.

While federal aviation policy does remain ambiguous in regulating the transportation of cannabis across states, things might change soon. Legislation has been introduced in Congress to protect passengers traveling within legal states from federal drug enforcement.

See Related: A Guide to Bringing Food on a Plane: TSA Regulations and Rules

Contrasting State Laws

Marijuana may be legal for recreational and medicinal use in some states within the US, but it remains illegal at the federal level. The confusion is compounded by varying state laws on possession limits and consumption.

For instance, Ohio approved possession of up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, while Kentucky only allows medical use.

Idaho, Nebraska, and Kansas have no public programs for marijuana; other states have adopted different approaches to its legality. This has created a major problem for travelers who may legally buy cannabis in their home state but not their destination.

It’s crucial to note that even when traveling between two states where marijuana is legal, airports fall under federal jurisdiction, creating a complex web of conflicting regulations.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits bringing cannabis-infused products and CBD oil on board. However, cannabis products containing no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.

See Related: Can You Bring Cigarettes On A Plane?

How Airports Handle Marijuana Discovery

If TSA officers discover marijuana or other illegal drugs during security screening, they are required to report it to local law enforcement. The ethics policy in force as of 2019 permits TSA agents to report drugs found during these searches.

A report from Willamette Weekly details how an airport employee tipped off police after being tipped $500 by an anonymous neighbor regarding marijuana smuggling through the airport. The employee then reported the incident to authorities, who carried out search operations for evidence.

Despite marijuana legalization in certain states, security checkpoints at airports remain under federal jurisdiction, creating dilemmas for both passengers caught with weed and officials who handle such equipment.

In recent times, amnesty boxes have become increasingly common at various airports across the United States due to successive state legislation changes surrounding drug prohibition.

These boxes allow travelers to dispose of their weed freely. They act as a rain bucket for travelers caught in a storm of confusion regarding conflicting regulations.

However, these boxes do not exempt passengers from Discovery and reporting to authorities. Ultimately, such boxes are mostly a PR strategy by airports rather than an effective solution since passengers are still at risk of arrest and prosecution.

While amnesty boxes and legal representation can prove helpful when found with marijuana at airports, understanding what constitutes your rights and the steps you need to take once found with weed on you is essential if things go wrong.

• The current regulations require TSA officers to report any discovery of marijuana or illegal drugs during security screenings to local law enforcement. Despite marijuana legalization in certain states, airports and their security checkpoints fall under federal jurisdiction, creating complications for both passengers and officials. Amnesty boxes have become more common at airports as a response to conflicting regulations, allowing travelers to dispose of their marijuana freely. However, these boxes do not exempt passengers from potential arrest and prosecution. Individuals must understand their rights and the necessary steps to take if found with weed at airports, including seeking legal representation when needed.

See Related: Cruise Alcohol Policy: What You Need to Know Before You Bring Your Own Booze

Varying Policies and Security Measures

With different states legalizing marijuana for medicinal and recreational use, it’s not uncommon for travelers to ask if they can bring weed on a plane. However, despite some states legalizing marijuana, it remains illegal on the federal level. TSA rules apply regardless of departure or arrival airports.

Think of state laws as college rules while TSA regulations are federal laws – breaking the school rule may result in detention, but breaking a federal law could land someone in jail.

Cannabis products containing no more than 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight basis or those approved by the FDA are allowed in carry-on or checked luggage.

However, TSA officers do not search for marijuana but are required to report any potentially illegal item they find during security screening to local law enforcement.

If someone is traveling from California (a state where marijuana is legal) to Florida (where it is illegal), they could still get caught since TSA operates under federal jurisdiction. Their sole focus is primarily on terrorism and security threats to the aircraft and its passengers.

Varying state laws add a layer of complexity to this issue as the final decision rests with local law enforcement officials. Whether or not a passenger is allowed to travel with marijuana is up to the discretion of law enforcement authorities.

See Related: Can You Bring Vitamins on a Plane?

Passenger Experiences with Flying and Weed

Despite there being strict regulations surrounding air travel with weed, people still attempt to fly with their stash. Some have been successful, while others have faced unpleasant outcomes.

It’s common sense that one would like to remain as low-profile as possible when carrying phytocannabinoids through airport security; however, things don’t always go according to plan.

“I accidentally had three cartridges of high-THC oil in my carry-on…The TSA agent pulled out my bag right in front of me because it was suspicious, and he caught me off guard…Then he put his gloves on and started to go through my bag. I knew I wasn’t going anywhere.” – Brandon C.

Security measures can be more strict in some airports, such as Europe. One passenger reported his unfortunate experience when he was stopped by security after having smoked marijuana before boarding his flight.

He was pulled aside and given a full body search, which highlighted the presence of cannabis residue on his clothing. The authorities then questioned and detained him for several hours until they were sure he was fit to travel.

However, with better planning, many individuals can fly without hassle. With the popularity of low-odor vaporizers, edibles, oils, and tinctures – all readily available in legal marijuana states – people are finding creative ways of consuming cannabis discreetly.

Think of it like a game of chess – the trick is to maneuver your pieces wisely to avoid checkmate.

See Related: Can You Bring Alcohol on a Plane? TSA Rules and Regulations Explained

Safe Practices for Traveling with Weed

While traveling with weed remains a contentious affair, there are safe practices that can be employed to increase the chances of successful travel.

These include checking state laws at departure and arrival points, packing weed well out of sight and smell, being mindful of drug dogs at checkpoints (who can detect even trace amounts), and ultimately using common sense when transporting any amount of marijuana.

“I have flown with smaller edibles (like candy) domestically from Colorado to Michigan before without problems. Ensure you don’t bring too much and keep it concealed.” – Kevin V.

Ultimately, travelers need to exercise caution when traveling with weed and understand the potential risks involved.

Having heard from passenger experiences with flying and weed, we can now explore best safety practices in detail.

See Related: Can You Bring Scissors On A Plane? 

Safe Practices for Travelling with Weed

While it’s technically unlawful to travel with marijuana on an airplane, there are certain precautions that individuals can take to minimize the risk of being caught.

One crucial aspect is to ensure that all marijuana products are stored in smell-proof containers to avoid detection by dogs trained to sniff out illicit substances.

Additionally, travelers should not carry large amounts of weed as this may attract unwanted attention from law enforcement officials.

Imagine you need your medical marijuana to relieve a chronic illness, and you want to fly out of state for an extended period. To ensure safe travels, research each state’s marijuana laws and regulations before traveling to your destination.

If it’s allowed at your destination, make a printout or a screenshot of the law that legalizes the use of medical cannabis so that you’re not caught off-guard. Have documented proof with yourself, such as a doctor’s prescription, identification cards, or other suggestions available in your locality.

Also, airline policies are subject to change even if allowed at your destination. Here are some essential airline company guidelines concerning medical marijuana:

Airlines	Policy
American Airlines	Not allowed in carry-on bags, but could be transported in checked bags without “adequate documentation” (upfront) to flaunt their ‘zero-tolerance policy’
Alaska Airline	Hard-line policy against carrying any form of THC on board their flights.
Delta Airlines	Strongly discourage traveling with any forms of CBD or THC products banned under federal law (in any form)

Suppose you must fly with cannabis because alternative medicine isn’t as effective or requires changes after visiting the destination because of its restricted access. In that case, you might consider shipping it directly to your hotel earlier. Before doing so, be sure it isn’t against the local laws and regulations.

Note: Cannabis consumption is regulated in many states, and states may have different rules. It’s illegal to bring weed to a state where it’s still considered an illicit substance in their jurisdiction.

THC vapes that contain more than 0.3% THC is not allowed on an airplane, either in checked bags or carry-on bags. Understanding that the TSA cannot typically inspect the contents of small batteries or other parts, people tried to smuggle them through checkpoints; there’s always a risk of detection and seizure at the checkpoint or during the flight, even if approved by the Airline company.

With that said, isn’t this unjust? It depends on who you ask. Some individuals might argue marijuana should be decriminalized so they can travel freely with their medication, while others might support protective measures like these because it keeps others safe.

Whatever stance one takes in the debate, it’s important for all individuals to follow state and federal laws respective to their location(s).

Think of the transportation of your cannabis as if it were operating within a speed limit zone, but cannabis is “the car.” Consider having a prescription from a licensed physician about medical marijuana as carrying insurance before hitting the road.

If you’re still unsure whether to fly with your cannabis products, err on the side of caution and leave them behind at home. But that does not mean those products have no chance to get travel clearance; make sure that they are labeled securely with prescription information available at hand in case you are questioned by airline personnel and local law enforcement agents.

However, remember that risks are always associated with traveling with cannabis, and while following suggested guidelines minimize those risks as best as possible, there is still some risk involved.