Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Can You Fly with Legally Bought Weed and CBD in the United States?

Mike Richard
By

Last year, officials at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) announced a new, thoroughly relaxed policy toward air travelers bringing their weed stash through the airport. Add to that news the fact that more and more U.S. states are opening legal dispensaries, and it’s easy for travelers to assume that every public place is becoming a hazy, free-wheelin’, Willie Nelson-inspired smokehouse. Not so fast. Let’s take a minute to clarify the legalities — or not — of flying in the U.S. with legally purchased marijuana and CBD products.

Let’s dispense with the most clear-cut question and answer: Can the TSA arrest you at the airport for packing marijuana? Thankfully, no. Many passengers are surprised to learn that the agency can’t actually arrest anyone for anything. In fact, their (lack of) power has created enough confusion for the general public that the TSA even published a blog post about it. The gist is that “TSA officers at airport checkpoints do not have the authority to arrest any passenger, regardless of the situation. TSA officers do not carry firearms, billy clubs, mace, stun guns or any other type of weapon. Nor do TSA officers carry handcuffs. They are not authorized to use force in the performance of their duties.”

airport security bag suitcase luggage
Spyderskidoo/Getty Images

Further Reading

Recommended Videos

When they’re not handing out free puppies, the responsibility of TSA agents is primarily to safeguard the nation’s transportation systems. On a daily basis, they’re only concerned with rooting out guns, battle axes, explosives, and other immediate threats to public safety. The hitch here is that, if they do discover a pot-laden passenger during routine screening, they’re legally bound to hand that passenger over to local authorities. The TSA is crystal clear about the illegality of marijuana and CBD-related products in both checked and carry-on baggage: “Possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products, such as cannabidiol (CBD) oil, is illegal under federal law. TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of law, including possession of marijuana and cannabis-infused products.”

Related

In pot-friendly states like Massachusetts and Colorado, local police will often treat a passenger’s stash like a half-full water bottle. Their recommendation will usually be to dump it in the trash, then get back in the security line for rescreening. In states that don’t take kindly to marijuana possession, the local police have the authority to treat passengers like the federal criminals they are. Since marijuana, like heroin and LSD, is still a Schedule 1 drug, that could mean considerable jail time.

weed marijuana bud nugget
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like LAX, a handful of airports around the country have made it clear that, as long as passengers are only in possession of the legal amount in the state in question, everything is cool. San Francisco International, Boston’s Logan International, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport are three of the most publicly pot-friendly airports in the country. On the other hand, because they’re sensitive to skyrocketing “pot tourism,” Colorado airports like Denver and Colorado Springs are fairly strict about forcing airline passengers to ditch their stash prior to security. Despite its hedonistic reputation, Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport is among the nation’s toughest on marijuana possession. It’s no surprise, however, when you consider that the city’s casinos are only allowed to operate thanks to gaming licenses granted by the feds.

The short version of all of this is that the TSA is effectively irrelevant when it comes to your sky-high drug trafficking habits within the United States. Local law enforcement is the only concern. If you’re caught flying or trying to fly with weed, your departure and arrival cities don’t matter. It boils down to the local laws that govern the airport you happen to be in when your stash is discovered.

Whatever you do, though, do not ever try to fly internationally with your stash. Unless, of course, a starring role on Locked Up Abroad is still on your bucket list.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
The best bars in New York City: Our top picks
Here's where to belly up to the bar in NYC
The Quixote Bar.

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Read more
Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park should you visit?
A breathtaking view of Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations.
Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for:
Geothermal geysers
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.
An abundance of wildlife
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance.
Unparalleled views
The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park

Read more
8 helpful tips for taking a red-eye flight
Say goodbye to jet lag
Night Flight

Red-eye flights, named for their tendency to depart late at night and arrive early in the morning, offer a wide range of benefits for travelers looking to save money and optimize their time. From the luxury of saving daylight hours to the chance for lower rates, red-eyes are an appealing option for many. These flights often feature less congestion at airports and shorter security lines, leading to a more relaxed overall travel experience.

Despite their advantages, red-eye flights can also cause issues such as disrupted sleep patterns, cramped quarters, and fatigue upon arrival. However, with the right strategies and a little bit of preparation, you can turn your red-eye experience into a smooth and stress-free adventure. These are just a few red-eye flight tips to consider.
1. Match your flight to your sleep habits

Read more