Key Takeaways:
- Can you fly with weed? Not really, but the answer is kind of complicated. Airports fall under federal law. So if you’re travelling with edibles, they must be federally compliant, i.e., have a THC level below 0.3%.
- It’s important to remember that state laws don’t exactly apply here. So it won’t matter if you’re flying from one legal state to another. You can still face confiscation, fines, or detention if TSA detects your gummies.
- But where you are, and how much you’re carrying, might still determine how strict the resulting action might be.
- Is flying with edibles allowed internationally? No, because it violates US and international laws against crossing international borders with marijuana.
Nothing beats destressing after a long travel day with your favorite flavored Delta-9 gummies. But it gets complicated if you think about navigating TSA regulations and federal guidelines when flying.
The last thing you want is trouble when you’re rushing to board a flight, which makes playing by the rules important to avoid a security mix-up that might ruin your ‘trip.’ Here’s everything you’ll want to know before travelling with hemp edibles in the United States.
Federal Guidelines on Hemp Edibles
Marijuana is federally illegal, and it’s been classified as a Schedule I drug. So, can you still fly with weed? Legally, no. But there are 2 main exceptions to this.
- Products with no more than 0.3% THC
- FDA-approved medications
Before we start to decode the conditions and factors of flying with edibles, here’s a quick look at what we mean when we say hemp edibles.
What is Hemp? Why Isn’t It Federally Prohibited?
The main difference between hemp and cannabis is how much THC each of them has. There are a few different types of THC, and it’s what causes the high. So when Delta-9 THC is extracted from hemp and made into edibles, vapes, or joints, they just need to have less than 0.3% of THC for them to be federally compliant. But many states still differ on the legality, and it’s best to check the laws of the place you’re flying to before packing edibles or a CBD product with you.
Things to Keep in Mind If You’re Flying With Edibles
Legal THC Content = <0.3%
TSA is currently aligned with federal law on the matter of flying with THC gummies, since airports and airspace are under federal jurisdiction. And according to their guidelines, the only cannabis-related products you can carry on a plane are those that have no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis. Dry weight means without any moisture content in the substance. Additionally, they also permit any of the four FDA-approved cannabis-based medications.
Preserve Labels and Carry Documentation
If TSA discovers your relaxing THC edibles, there’s no way for them to immediately verify the THC content in them. But you can still prove that you’re flying with federally compliant edibles by carrying them in their original, sealed wrappers with clearly printed indications of the THC content. Also carry a third-party lab-tested certificate of analysis so TSA and airline agents can verify exactly what’s inside your edibles.
TSA Doesn’t Specifically Search for Edibles
If you’re asking yourself whether you can fly with weed, remember, TSA’s statement says that they don’t specifically search for edibles. Their priority is security, and all their searches are typically geared towards preventing threats to passengers or the planes. So even though they won’t be looking for gummies or cannabis-related products, they do have an obligation to report any discovered items.
What Will Happen If I’m Caught Flying With Edibles?
Here’s the truth: where you are when you get caught matters a great deal. Since TSA is obligated to notify local law enforcement, they are likely to handle the situation based on the local laws. So, in a state where marijuana is legalized, getting caught with a minor quantity of edibles might just mean getting your edibles confiscated without so much as a fine.
But if you’re somewhere with stricter regulations, there’s a chance that the local authorities could enact greater penalties for flying with edibles, or even keep you detained for questioning. How tolerant local laws are of marijuana consumption will determine a lot here.
So to be on the safe side, it’s always best to check the laws of the state you’re going to. And if they have it legalized, just shop for weed over there or buy cannabis online once you land to avoid a whole lot of anxiety and fuss on your flight.
FAQs
Can airport dogs smell THC gummies?
Yes, drug dogs are trained to sniff out a bunch of substances, including THC. So although their primary focus is detecting security threats, trained canines can definitely recognize THC if you’re flying with edibles.
Are CBD vapes allowed on planes?
You can fly with a weed vape that has compliant levels of THC. But it’s got to be below 3.4 ounces of liquid. Packing it in your carry-on is ideal to avoid battery-related fire hazards in checked luggage.
Will I miss my flight if TSA catches me flying with edibles?
Yes, that chance is there if you’re detained for questioning by TSA or local authorities. This is possible in the following cases:
- If you’re carrying a quantity of gummies that’s more than what might be for personal use, it may make TSA suspicious of your intentions.
- If the THC level in your gummies is higher than 0.3%.
Does 0.3% THC mean I won’t get high?
You can still get high from products with less than 0.3% THC. The trick is that these products are made to weigh higher so that the total THC content comes down to 0.3% and is still federally compliant while being potent.
About the Author
