Flying with Cannabis: What You Need to Know Now

by Brad Lightall | May 24, 2025 | 0 Comments

Understanding Federal vs. State Laws

Understanding Federal vs. State Laws

I’ve seen firsthand how crossing state lines can be stressful when cannabis is involved. As of early 2025, recreational marijuana is legal in at least 24 states, while 38 states (plus D.C. and some U.S. territories) allow it for medical use. Yet it’s still classified as illegal under federal law. That’s why airport security agents and customs officials often enforce stricter federal regulations even in states where marijuana is otherwise allowed. The disconnect between state and federal rules can lead to major confusion and potential legal issues at airports.

From my perspective, that confusion stems from outdated policies that haven’t caught up to state-level changes. According to a recent policy review published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, the disparity between state and federal marijuana laws is unlikely to be resolved overnight. This means even individuals with valid medical marijuana cards can face penalties if they don’t follow federal rules when traveling by air.

It’s important to understand that federal law supersedes state law at airports. That means if you’re carrying any form of cannabis through an airport—even in a state where it’s legal—you run a risk of confiscation, fines, or arrest. Knowing this, I always urge people to do some homework on both local and federal guidelines before packing anything that might raise eyebrows at security checkpoints.

The TSA’s Role

The TSA's Role

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) primarily focuses on threats to aviation, such as weapons or explosives. Marijuana, in theory, is a lower priority. However, agents are obligated to report anything that’s illegal under federal law, which includes cannabis containing more than 0.3% THC. This can trigger law enforcement involvement, which is a hassle nobody wants mid-travel.

In my own travels, I’ve observed that TSA screenings vary somewhat by airport. Some airports may have more advanced scanning technology, while others rely on manual inspections if something looks suspicious on the scanner. If an agent suspects you’re carrying illegal substances, they’re likely to contact local or federal authorities. It’s not uncommon for travelers to experience significant delays—or even miss flights—while the matter is sorted out.

That said, official TSA communication suggests they aren’t going out of their way to search for cannabis. Instead, they focus on safety threats. But be aware: once they do find marijuana over the legal THC threshold, the matter is no longer just about airport security—it becomes a legal issue. So if you’re flying with questionable items, you could be in for an unplanned conversation with airport police or federal officers.

CBD, THC, and the 0.3% Rule

CBD, THC, and the 0.3% Rule

Under federal guidelines, products with less than 0.3% THC are categorized as hemp-derived rather than marijuana. I’ve heard many fellow travelers talk about how they rely on CBD for anxiety or joint pain during long flights. Generally, CBD products with low THC levels are less likely to attract scrutiny. For example, studies show that properly labeled CBD items from reputable manufacturers often pass inspections without incident.

However, certificates of analysis for CBD products aren’t always at hand. If TSA officers can’t verify the THC content on the spot, they’re more prone to confiscate the product or, in extreme cases, involve local law enforcement. In my view, it’s crucial to keep original packaging or lab results if you must bring CBD along, but that still doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free experience.

Travelers should also bear in mind the evolving landscape of CBD regulations in different states. A 2024 consumer affairs report found that many CBD products on the market didn’t match their label claims, which underscores why TSA agents may remain skeptical. To avoid confusion and potential losses, I generally recommend picking up CBD-infused items once you’ve reached a legal destination rather than risking it on the flight.

Domestic Travel Considerations

Domestic Travel Considerations

Flying domestically within the United States might feel more relaxed, but it doesn’t automatically exempt you from complications. Airport policies can differ substantially, even within the same state. In some jurisdictions, local police may be more lenient if you have a valid medical marijuana card, whereas in others, officers might strictly enforce federal restrictions.

In my travels, I’ve learned that even if you board an airplane in a state where recreational use is legal, you could land in a state where rules are stricter. The flight itself operates under federal jurisdiction, so you’re still at risk the moment you step into that federal space. Checking updated policies at both your departure and arrival airports is a must.

For flyers who need medical cannabis, documentation is sometimes helpful but not always foolproof. According to industry data, a handful of airlines have their own guidelines on carrying prescription medications, but these don’t necessarily override TSA or federal rules. Always read airline-specific policies. When in doubt, I tend to err on the side of leaving my cannabis products at home to avoid any potential headaches.

International Travel

International Travel

Crossing international borders with cannabis is a major no-go. Each country has its own set of laws, and penalties for possession can be extremely harsh. For instance, some places enforce hefty fines or jail time for even small amounts of marijuana. I met a traveler who, not long ago, was detained for carrying what they believed to be legal CBD oil into a country that classified it as a banned substance.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is equally vigilant. A recent report from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime highlighted the global instability of cannabis laws, emphasizing that many countries penalize cannabis possession more severely than the U.S. does at the federal level. This uncertainty is why I usually advise leaving any form of cannabis—including infused edibles—behind when going abroad.

Even if you’re traveling from one “cannabis-friendly” country or state to another, you’re still crossing international checkpoints where different laws apply. To me, that’s a recipe for a legal quagmire. Play it safe and steer clear of packing marijuana in your luggage if your itinerary leads you overseas.

Top 3 Tips for Cannabis-Carrying Flyers

Top 3 Tips for Cannabis-Carrying Flyers

1. Know the Laws: I can’t stress this enough: always do your research. Check government websites for both your origin and destination. A state’s stance on recreational marijuana might not match local airport policies. Keeping tap on the latest regulations ensures fewer unpleasant surprises.

When possible, I recommend looking at local news sources for real-time updates. Regulations can shift rapidly, and what was allowed yesterday might become restricted tomorrow. Familiarizing yourself with the guidelines can save you a stressful confrontation.

2. Understand the Risks: The federal prohibition remains in place, and TSA is duty-bound to escalate any suspected violations. I’ve witnessed travelers losing expensive products to confiscation. More unfortunate scenarios include fines or arrests, particularly if you’re carrying large quantities.

Some airports in legal states have “amnesty boxes” where passengers can discard cannabis items before security checks, but these aren’t available everywhere. If you’re unsure whether your items are acceptable, it might be better to err on the safe side and offload them before you get to the airport.

3. Consider Safer Alternatives: If you absolutely need a cannabis-related product to manage stress or medical symptoms while en route, hemp-derived items under 0.3% THC are typically more acceptable. In many cases, legal CBD can replicate some of the calming benefits of THC-heavy products. That said, not all labeling is accurate, so read the fine print.

I’ve personally opted for hemp-derived CBD tinctures in several instances without any issues at security. Still, the ultimate peace of mind often comes from leaving your stash at home. For frequent flyers, traveling light and worrying less about airport scrutiny can be a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Navigating cannabis regulations in the aviation world demands staying vigilant. The tricky dance between state-friendly laws and federal prohibitions is still very much ongoing. In my experience, investing time in research pays off far more than rolling the dice at security checkpoints.

Ultimately, you need to assess your personal comfort level with carrying any type of cannabis product. While some individuals skate by without issues, others find themselves caught up in steep fines or legal encounters. Awareness and preparation remain your best defenses.

Stay informed about evolving legislation, and don’t forget that what’s valid today might become obsolete down the road. Being proactive helps you sidestep the tangled web of disparate laws and keeps your journey moving smoothly.

Brad Lightall’s Take

When I’m weighing whether to fly with cannabis, I compare it to deciding if I should pack that extra pair of hiking boots. Is it truly worth the added weight and potential hassle? In most cases, I’ve found a simpler route to be best—pick it up legally at your destination or rely on low-THC alternatives.

Cannabis culture has made huge strides, but our air travel infrastructure hasn’t fully caught up. Until it does, I’ll be watching the developments and sharing the most practical insights I gather along the way.

Stay with us at BoardingArea for more.

Also on BoardingArea
Miles For Family
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise: An Anniversary-Worthy Splurge
Last week, my husband and I traveled to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada for a kids-free trip to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. We stayed at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which was about a 2-hour drive from Calgary YYC airport. While our stay was not cheap, the hotel was...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Earn 4x points for stays at 30 new and renovated Accor Hotels Worldwide
The latest set of Accor’s 4x ALL Rewards points offers for stays at their new and renovated hotels became available today. There are 30 locations to choose from in Asia, Australia, Europe, North American and South America. The 4x points offer: Earn 4x ALL Rewards Points for stays at participating...
View from the Wing
American Airlines Built A Gorgeous Lounge In Denver—But Made It So Small Passengers Are Battling For Seats
I did manage to find some place to sit in the dining area when I first arrived there, or so I thought. There was an empty table, so I put my belongings down and went to check out the buffet. But when I returned a couple of minutes...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Save $20 on Condor Flights to Europe
You can claim your independence from the United States — temporarily, anyway — when you save $20 on Condor flights to Europe in all fare classes through Friday, October 31, 2025... ...but you must... The post Save $20 on Condor Flights to Europe appeared first on The Gate.
One Mile at a Time
Best Credit Cards For Buying Airline Tickets: How To Maximize Your Points
Using the right credit card for airfare purchases can help you rack up points quickly, especially if you’re anything like me, and spend a lot on air travel.
Altitude Yes
Holiday Travel Causes Huge Lines for the Delta One Lounge in JFK
Despite the large lounge space and strict entry requirements, the Delta One Lounge at JFK still saw long lines during 4th of July weekend. The post Holiday Travel Causes Huge Lines for the Delta One Lounge in JFK first appeared on Altitude Yes.
Frequent Miler
Targeted Amex Business Platinum 200K offer after $20K spend (No lifetime language)
A few days ago, Danny the Deal Guru reported on a potentially interesting targeted offer for the American Express Business Platinum card whereby those targeted could earn a welcome offer of 200,000 Membership Rewards points after $20,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Interestingly, this offer does not have...
Economy Class & Beyond
Norse Atlantic Airways continues its Thai push
Norse Atlantic Airways is trying some new things for the upcoming winter season, with a further push towards Thailand, with three new routes. Manchester – Bangkok For those of you who wish to escape the grimness of a winter up north to a warm Bangkok winter, Norse will be starting a...
Frequent Miler
Nick is off and runnin’ on Dunkin’: Follow along on Instagram
I left home early this morning to start my Monday journey to Orlando and back all in the name of picking up temporary JetBlue Mosaic status so that we can hopefully have a more comfortable run at JetBlue’s 25 for 25 promotion. And I’m not going to be alone! In...
TravelUpdate
60 Million! Thats how many chocolates have been eaten by just one airline’s customers in a year
It's Chocolate Day today and here's a crazy statistic, this airline's customers consumed a whopping 60 Million chocolates last year on board!
TravelUpdate
200,000 points offer! Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business Review
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business is out with a massive 200,000 bonus points offer. So how does it stack up? Here's a full review.
TravelUpdate
New Amex Platinum card annual fee, my retention bonus offer, Hilton guides & more…
The Amex Platinum Card fee will almost be $900, how many will still stick around? That and more as we round up stories from the last week.
View from the Wing
Is JFK’s Delta One Lounge Really Worth It—When Travelers Are Stuck Queuing In The Terminal? [Roundup]
A roundup of the most important stories of the day. I keep you up to date on the most interesting writings I find on other sites – the latest news and tips. Continue reading Is JFK’s Delta One Lounge Really Worth It—When Travelers Are Stuck Queuing In The Terminal? [Roundup]...
a bull running on a street
BoardingArea
Chase the Bulls: Booking Pamplona’s Running of the Bulls With Miles
Few events capture raw excitement quite like Pamplona's Running of the Bulls. Each July 6–14, I find myself drawn to this high-octane spectacle, shoulder to shoulder with a crowd of travelers eager to witness the fiery tradition of six bulls thundering through Pamplona's streets. It's a moment when the city...
Eye of the Flyer
Carnival Goes Revenue Based Loyalty – Will Royal Caribbean Follow?
Carnival Corporation shocked the cruise world last month when it introduced a MAJOR change to its loyalty program. In June 2026 the cruise line will launch its new Carnival Rewards™ program which will have a huge impact on longtime loyal Carnival guests. In summary, Carnival will move from a “traditional”...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Cybercriminal Contacts Qantas After Massive Data Breach Affecting 6 Million Passengers
Australian flag carrier Qantas has revealed that a potential cybercriminal has contacted the airline following a massive data breach that resulted in the theft of personal details belonging to as many as six million passengers. The embarrassing cybersecurity incident was detected on June 30, although it remains unclear how long...
One Mile at a Time
Review: Aer Lingus Business Class Airbus A321XLR (MSP-DUB)
For the outbound portion of my trip across the Atlantic on the Airbus A321XLR, I flew Aer Lingus’ Airbus A321XLR business class on the 6hr50min flight from Minneapolis (MSP) to Dublin (DUB).
Live and Let’s Fly
Review: Eurowings A319 Economy Class
After a late afternoon arrival into London Heathrow on Virgin Atlantic, we connected to Stuttgart on a Eurowings A319…in the last row of the plane to be precise. Eurowings A319 Economy Class Review (LHR-STR) I booked these tickets for 6,000 United miles + 38.00 USD in taxes each. This was...
One Mile at a Time
Delta One Lounge JFK Crowding Mess, With Line Out The Door
Over the past year or so, we’ve seen the opening of four Delta One Lounges, which are exceptional, among the best lounges you’ll find in the United States. While these lounges are amazing in terms of design, food, drinks, and service, unfortunately crowding continues to be a major issue, as...
You Are Travel
Marriott Reflags a Florence Property: Westin Excelsior To Become The Excelsior, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Tl;dr – One of the better-reviewed Marriott hotels in the Medici’s stomping grounds will climb the Bonvoy brand…
The Bulkhead Seat
Hotel Review: Andaz 5th Avenue
After spending a night at the Hyatt Centric Wall Street New York (a review… The post Hotel Review: Andaz 5th Avenue appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
The Bulkhead Seat
My Experience: Great Service Recovery by United Airlines After NYC Storms
We returned back to the United States early after having our belongings stolen in… The post My Experience: Great Service Recovery by United Airlines After NYC Storms appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
What are the “must have” Chase cards?
If you’re new to credit card rewards, Chase can be a great place to start, as it offers a terrific variety of valuable cards, often with excellent initial welcome offers. That said, the main reason to begin with Chase is because of its notorious 5/24 Rule, which can make it...
Points With a Crew
5 reasons I keep recommending the Chase Sapphire Preferred for people starting out (Higher Welcome Offer)
Amongst my friends and family, I'm considered the "credit card guy". When I'm asked for recommendations, most of the time it's the Chase Sapphire Preferred...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers