Can you bring weed on a plane legally? This is a question that many people have asked, yet there are few definitive answers. Weed is legal in 22 US states and the nation's capital. However, it is illegal at the federal level and classified as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it has “no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” This blurs the line about whether you can bring weed on a plane or not.
This article covers the intricacies of traveling with weed on a plane in the US and outlines the risks you may be exposed to when you bring weed on a plane.
Traveling With Weed On a Plane
We often get questions like "Can you fly with weed in the US?" and "Can I fly within or between states where recreational marijuana is legal?". This section will discuss some laws that will help answer these questions.
Federal Regulations
The Farm Bill of 2018 states that the US government does not consider hemp (cannabis with less than 0.3% THC) a controlled substance, meaning it is legal to transport and possess in all 50 states. However, marijuana (cannabis with more than 0.3% THC) remains federally illegal and cannot be transported across state lines or on a commercial plane according to federal law.
This means that if you are traveling with cannabis on board a plane, it must be hemp, not marijuana. Hemp products (such as CBD oil, edibles, and topical products) can typically be taken aboard in small amounts (for personal use). However, any amount of marijuana is strictly prohibited.
State Regulations
Some states in the US permit the recreational or medicinal use of marijuana. But what happens when you’re flying into or out of these states? Do their state rules still apply to you? The answer is no. Since weed is illegal at the federal level, any TSA agent can confiscate marijuana from you, regardless of the laws of the state you are in.
International Regulations
Weed is illegal in many countries, and in some, it is not clearly stated whether or not it is illegal. For example, the United Kingdom does not have a specific law prohibiting cannabis, but it can be considered a controlled substance. This means that if you are found to have cannabis when entering or leaving the country, you can be arrested and fined.
All of these regulations advise against traveling with weed, but what happens when your doctor prescribes it? Can you fly with medical marijuana? Whether or not you can fly with medical marijuana largely depends on airport security or policy. However, having your prescription with you will be beneficial as you may be asked for it. It is important to speak with your doctor and the airline prior to traveling with medical marijuana in order to ensure that you do not break any laws or regulations.
Risks and Consequences of Bringing Weed On a Plane
Taking weed on a plane can land you in a lot of trouble with the law. Here are some of the risks and consequences you may face:
Legal Risks
The risks of bringing weed on a plane are significant and can vary depending on the jurisdiction. The possession, transportation, and sale of marijuana are still illegal under federal law in the United States, regardless of whether the state you live in or are flying from allows it. Thus, traveling across state lines with weed exposes you to legal risks, including potential fines, imprisonment, and the risk of being placed on a no-fly list.
Safety Risks
The safety risks associated with bringing weed on a plane are largely related to its psychoactive effects. There is a concern that an individual could become overly impaired and cause an accident or air catastrophe.
Travel Risks
The risks of traveling with marijuana, such as missing your connection or connecting flight because the TSA or law enforcement detained you for carrying marijuana in your bag, must also be taken into account. Not only can this be inconvenient, but it may also result in fees or other penalties depending on your airline.
Alternatives to Bringing Weed On a Plane
There are other options for enjoying cannabis besides taking your weed on a plane.
Buying Weed at Your Destination
While you may not be able to carry your weed on a plane, even when traveling between states where weed is legal, you can certainly order your weed on arrival. This saves you from the stress of looking for a place to hide your weed. You can use cannabis-friendly apps such as Leafly and Cannabist to get information about where you can get cannabis from dispensaries near the place that you are visiting. Furthermore, some of these apps also offer advice on transporting and storing your weed while traveling.
Using Alternative Methods to Consume Weed
Edibles are a great way to get your cannabis fix without having to bring weed on the plane. They are easy to transport and offer a convenient way to consume cannabis while traveling. What's more, they offer a discreet way of consuming cannabis that won't raise any eyebrows. You can also turn to tinctures and oils as an alternative to bring on the plane, as they don't have the psychoactive effects associated with smoking marijuana.
Use CBD Products Instead
CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid derived from the cannabis plant and can be found in many products, such as oils, balms, edibles, gummies, tinctures, and topicals. These products are widely available in most states and do not contain enough THC to cause intoxication or raise legal red flags. CBD is also gaining popularity for its potential health benefits, which range from pain management to reducing anxiety. These products are an awesome and simple way to experience the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without breaking any laws.
Frequently Asked Questions on Bringing Weed on a Plane
Can you bring weed on a plane?
No, it is illegal to bring cannabis on a plane as it is considered a controlled substance by the US federal government.
Can you take edibles on a plane?
If your edibles contain more than 0.3% THC, they are not allowed on planes. However, edibles that contain less than 0.3% THC may be allowed as long as they do not exceed the state-specific legal limit.
Can you fly with medical marijuana?
No, even with a valid medical marijuana card, it is still illegal to fly with any form of cannabis, which can result in heavy fines or imprisonment.
What happens if the TSA finds weed in my bag?
If the TSA finds weed in your bag, they may confiscate it, and you could face legal consequences depending on the amount of cannabis in your possession. It is important to always follow the laws of the state that you are traveling to, as they may differ from those of your home state.
Can I bring a weed pen on a plane?
No, marijuana is illegal on planes, including weed pens or other forms of concentrated cannabis.
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