Can You Bring Weed and Edibles on a Plane?

Marijuana is both legal and illegal, at the same time. If that’s not confusing enough, the laws revolving around marijuana are in a constant state of flux, as federal and state governments attempt to accept and adapt to this entirely new era of “substance” information.

But where does that leave us when it comes to flying with edibles or marijuana?

Can you even bring weed on a plane? If so, how much weed can you fly with legally? What about getting through TSA airport security?

There’s a lot up in the air with this topic (no pun intended). However, the laws regarding flying with marijuana in any of its forms — including edibles — isn’t as difficult to understand as you may think. At least, it won’t after you’ve finished reading this article.

Read on to learn everything you need to know about flying with marijuana under TSA’s rules and regulations. And no, you cannot smoke on an aircraft.

Can You Bring Weed on a Plane?

So, can you bring weed on a plane? No, not legally.

But can you get away with bringing weed on a plane? Technically, yes.

Here’s the deal: Marijuana is still a Schedule I controlled substance. Therefore, its permitted sales and use in the United States are governed by each individual state. That’s why some states only allow medical marijuana, while others allow both medical and recreational marijuana. Because state laws vary and don’t jive with federal laws just yet, you’re not exactly allowed to cross state lines with your recently and legally purchased green.

Of course, no one’s really flagging down passing cars for search and seizures along interstate highways to see if you’re bringing recreational bud into a medical use-only zone. The same goes for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — which are federally-governed employees.

The TSA’s purpose ensuring your safety while traveling, as in monitoring for dangerous threats, such as explosives and other deadly contraband — not doing background checks for arrest warrants.

As far as TSA is concerned, here’s the long and short of the law:

“Marijuana and certain cannabis infused products, including Cannabidiol (CBD) remain illegal under federal law except  for products containing no more than 0.0 percent THC on a dry weight basis… TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of the law to local, state or federal authorities.”

Additionally:

“TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other drugs. In the event a substance that appears to be marijuana is observed during security screening,  TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer“

Put simply, TSA is not actively searching for marijuana as you move through airport security. However, if they find that you do have marijuana on you, they may send for local law enforcement to handle the situation. Depending on the state’s local laws, you could end up in jail with your stash confiscated.

In some instances, nothing happens at all. Of course, this depends entirely on the state you’re in, their local laws, and the state’s airport ordinances. Airports have their own, individual rules for flying with marijuana, which may or may not work in your favor. It’s best to look up the state and airport laws where you’ll be traveling.

Flying with Edibles and Marijuana 101

So, we know that the TSA screening stations are under federal jurisdiction, which means if you’re transporting marijuana through one of these stations, you’re in direct violation of federal law. Of course, it’s only problematic if you get caught.

Remember, TSA does not actively screen for marijuana, which is why the people who typically get caught with marijuana going through airport security are the people who make it obvious. By obvious, we’re referring to two things:

• The type of marijuana they’re traveling with (as in a straight up bag of bud vs discreet “chocolate chip cookies”)
• The location of the marijuana

Can You Bring Edibles in a Checked Bag?

The only thing you really need to do here is pack wisely. First, make sure to pack your marijuana in your carry-on. This way you know where it is at all times and you only have to worry about making it through one security screening. If you put your edibles in your checked bag, you won’t know if it’s going through a random security check and what legal mumbo-jumbo awaits you when you land.

Next, consider how you’ll be carrying it. If you’re trying to bring bud along for the ride, it’s a good idea to pack it in an unassuming jar, like a pill or makeup container. Essentially, anything that isn’t permeable and clear, keeps anything inside from being visible to the screens and noticeable to the nose.

If you’re trying to fly with edibles, stash them in a resealable fruit snack or gummy bear pouch — something that’s also not a permeable plastic ziplock bag. If you use a ziplock bag, your edibles will scan as orange, which alerts TSA of “biological material.”

Fortunately, most vape pens can pass as eCigarrettes. As long as your device isn’t large and obnoxious, no one will question you.

Lastly, you want to ensure that the odor of your marijuana doesn’t permeate throughout your carry-on. However, this requires a product that doesn’t just simply mask the odors. You’ll need something that both absorbs and eliminates them, while also making sure the odor-eating products you use don’t contain any toxic chemicals, like volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are just one of the many horrible chemicals out there that can mix with your clothing and hygiene products in close proximity and end up irritating your skin.

One last tidbit: Don’t try and bring more than you need. Flying with edibles or more marijuana than you actually need is one of those obvious things that’ll get you caught. Larger amounts are more difficult to conceal.

Check Out Cannabolish’s Travel Sized Cannabis Odor Removers

As long as you do what we tell you when it comes to flying with marijuana, you should be fine. Remember, the TSA isn’t looking to bust you, they have bigger things to worry about — like national security.

For your odor eliminating needs, we’ve got your back. We offer high-quality odor eliminating products for small spaces, like your duffle bag, backpack, or luggage. Our carefully-curated formula is completely  non-toxic and uses plant based oils to get the job done.  Try out our 2oz original spray or our Lavender 2oz Smoke Odor Removing Spray  for your next adventure (it even meets TSA regulations for carry-on liquids!).

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