As attitudes towards cannabis continue to evolve and laws are reshaped, there's a good chance you're living somewhere you can grow or consume cannabis legally. So, can you travel with your weed on a plane?
The answer isn't a straightforward yes or no - it is riddled with complexities related to jurisdictions, regulations, and the very nature of cannabis products.
Please fasten your seatbelts, stow your tray tables and observe the no-smoking signs.
Domestic Travel with Cannabis in the USA
When travelling domestically within the US, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is clear on what you can and can't bring on a plane. While TSA doesn't specifically look for marijuana or other cannabis products during security screenings, if they discover it, they are obliged to report it to local law enforcement, which could lead to penalties depending on state law.
Although technically, it is illegal to carry marijuana on a flight, the chances of being caught with it are a bit of a wild card. You can't bring cannabis on a US-domestic flight, but they're not looking for weed specifically.
Notably, New York and Chicago airports have "cannabis amnesty" boxes where those having second thoughts can chuck their weed away without getting in trouble.
Travel With Common Sense
We aren't going to tell you what you can and can't do. That's your mom's job. Let's think about this together, though.
- If you're travelling to a State with legal weed, why bother taking any with you?
- If you're travelling to a State that's not weed-friendly (hey Kansas), why take the risk?
Be smart if you're confident you can get on a plane with some bud. A joint or two in a cigarette box is less likely to get pulled up. An 8th in a shopping bag certainly will. And you'll be in big trouble.
If TSA finds a pre-roll in your bag, you can play dumb. If they're finding a Q - you can't play dumb; that just is dumb.
Getting on an International Flight with Cannabis
International travel with cannabis is a whole different ball game. If caught with cannabis at international borders, you could face severe consequences as it's considered smuggling. This applies even if you're travelling between countries where cannabis is legal, such as Canada or Uruguay.
The UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which most countries are a part of, prohibits the international transport of cannabis unless for medical or scientific purposes.
Let's keep this one simple - don't do it.
Even if you're flying to Amsterdam on 420 and sitting next to Snoop - don't take weed across international borders. Maybe you get away with it. Chances are you don't.
If you really can't go on holiday without weed, then go on holiday to places where getting weed is easy, like:
- Canada
- The Netherlands
- Portugal
- Argentina
- Chile
- Ecuador
- Thailand
- Jamaica
- Mexico
No matter where you choose to go, don't bring any with you.
Can you Fly with Cannabis Edibles or Oils?
Under US federal law, cannabis-infused or THC products, including oil, leaf marijuana, edibles, and hash, are still illegal, and therefore, they are not allowed during air travel.
However, certain marijuana-derived substances fall into a grey area. For instance, hemp-derived CBD oil has been legal since 2018, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) still prohibits oil transportation.
If you're carrying vape pens, they can be taken in your carry-on bags, but they cannot be checked if they contain lithium batteries exceeding 100 watt-hours, as per TSA regulations. It's important to note that if the cartridges for your vape pen contain THC, they are illegal at the federal level. Additionally, you can carry marijuana paraphernalia, such as bowls or pipes, in your carry-on luggage. Just make sure they're clean.
It's important to understand that TSA officials are not specifically trained to differentiate between various types of cannabis products. Therefore, if they come across something suspicious, like a bong, which may be associated with federally illegal substances, they are likely to report it to local law enforcement.
If you're going to travel with edibles, do this:
- Remove them from the original packaging and repack them in a Tupperware or nondescript container.
- Odor proof it. Edibles don't smell like flower, but a sniffer dog will still pick them up. So wrap them up.
- Take as little as possible, as the more you have, the more trouble you'll get in if it comes to it.
Or rather, don't.
Again, it's not worth the risk, and there's an excellent chance you can get edibles wherever you go.
This is doubly important when travelling internationally.
While an edible brownie, for example, doesn't immediately seem suspicious - specific scanners and sniffer dogs will pick it up. As far as the law is concerned, you're transporting cannabis across a border. And a brownie could get you locked up. How dumb would that be?
Travelling with Medical Cannabis
In the eyes of the law, medical and recreational cannabis are often seen differently, but travelling with medical cannabis still involves a fair bit of red tape.
Air Travel with Medical Cannabis in the USA
Although some states allow medical cannabis, flying with it can be risky due to the involvement of federal law. TSA follows federal laws, so even if you're travelling between states where medical cannabis is legal, it could still be confiscated and face potential legal trouble.
Some states have implemented medical cannabis reciprocity. This means that individuals who hold valid medical marijuana cards can enjoy similar privileges even when they are travelling outside of their home state. However, it's worth mentioning that in some cases, they may need to apply for a new medical marijuana card specific to the state they are visiting. This allows them to access and use medical cannabis in that state legally.
It's crucial to understand that the specifics of medical cannabis reciprocity can vary from state to state. Therefore, it's recommended to research and familiarize yourself with the regulations and requirements of the state you plan to visit to ensure compliance with their laws regarding medical cannabis.
International Travel with Medical Cannabis
Again, international borders tend to follow stricter rules. Some countries allow the import of medical cannabis, but you would typically need to apply for a permit beforehand. Always check the regulations of your destination country before packing your medical cannabis.
The legality of medical cannabis varies significantly from country to country. It is crucial to be aware of the laws and regulations of the specific country you plan to visit, as they can significantly impact your ability to travel with medical cannabis.
A recommended initial step is to contact the embassy or consulate of the country you intend to visit. By doing so, you can inquire about the legal status of medical cannabis in that particular country and gather information on any requirements or documentation needed for travelling with medical cannabis to your destination.
While some countries have legalized medical cannabis, it's important to note that there are also countries that do not recognize the medical use of cannabis. Certain countries impose severe penalties if individuals are found in possession of medical cannabis, even if they possess a valid prescription from their home country.
To ensure a safe and hassle-free trip, it is crucial to thoroughly research the laws and regulations regarding medical cannabis in the country you plan to visit. Additionally, consulting with the appropriate authorities, such as the embassy or consulate, can provide accurate and up-to-date information regarding the legal status of medical cannabis in that specific country.
Flying with CBD Products
CBD products derived from hemp and containing less than 0.3% THC are legal at the federal level in the US. However, laws vary by state and country, so (this is starting to sound repetitive, but that's the point) check local laws before using CBD products.
Flying with CBD Products Internationally
If you're in a country where the use and possession of CBD oil and products are legally allowed, you can generally feel confident and safe when flying domestically with CBD. However, it's important to note that the same level of legal protection and personal safety may not be guaranteed when flying internationally.
CBD laws vary from country to country, and what may be legal in one country could be prohibited in another. This means that you could fly from a country that permits the use of CBD oil to a country where it is not allowed.
Take the time to educate yourself about the specific laws and legalities on CBD oil in the countries you will visit and during your flights. This knowledge will help ensure a smoother and safer travel experience, minimizing the chances of any legal complications or violations.
Also, don't bring CBD flower on a plane. They're not going to test it at the airport. The security team aren't going to be very impressed when you hit them with, "Well, actually, this is a 1:1 CBD strain…."
In Conclusion
Before you get on any plane with cannabis, think about and consider the consequences of doing so. If you must, then be smart. Don't confidently think you can stash it better than the scanners can find it.
Know where you're going and where you're coming from. Check out forums for other travellers' experiences.
The good news is that you can get cannabis almost anywhere, so play it safe and get on the plane with just your clothes and a toothbrush to ensure a stress-free journey. It'll make the joint even more sweeter on the other side.
