The cannabis law in the US can be confusing. This is because each state is free to enact its rules. Imagine you’ve bought some edibles in the US, where the hemp market- or marijuana-based edibles is growing. Now, you want to fly out from the country or within the states with edibles in your possession! But before flying, you must know one thing – can you fly with edibles?
Edible cannabis is becoming more and more popular. ‘Edibles’ refers to cannabis-infused foods and beverages. Cannabis edibles look unnoticeable, so most people wouldn’t guess they contain any cannabis just by looking at them. So, many have questioned if it is possible to smuggle edibles into locations where they are illegal.
So, you must think seriously about the consequences if you get caught while planning to travel. can you fly with edibles? Here’s the detailed answer!
What are edibles?
Edibles are cannabis products that you can eat and drink. These are some of the common edibles you can find.
- Supplements
- Drinks
- Baked goods like cookies and brownies
- Confectionary items like chocolate or cannabis gummies
Want to know what weed and edibles look like on an airport scanner? Here’s the info!
Can you take edibles on a plane?
In short, the answer will be ‘no.’ The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) states that it is illegal to bring cannabis products onboard an airline. Federal law considers marijuana and items containing cannabis as illegal. So, bringing cannabis or cannabis-related products onboard an airplane, including edible cannabis, is illegal and prohibited.
However, there are some exceptions. For instance, items with a THC content under 0.3% are acceptable. You can even carry certain THC products that have FDA approval. Nevertheless, edibles don’t get these exceptions. Since edibles look like regular food items, many forget that it comes under controlled substances.
While transporting edibles, be extremely careful, as the TSA may fine you severely or send you to prison. The jail time may depend on factors like your age. Check out the TSA’s guidelines for flying with edibles.
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What happens when you get caught with edibles in an airport?
The answer depends on the airport where your get caught. At LAX, the Airport Police Division will not detain a person if they do not exceed the authorized amount in their possession, up to 28.5 grams. Massachusetts law permits one ounce of cannabis possession. But the law explicitly states that you can’t consume cannabis by smoking, ingesting edibles, or vaping in public or on federal property. However, the TSA may contact the Massachusetts State Police if they find your edibles during an airport security check at Boston Logan International Airport.
A few airports, like Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, have ‘amnesty boxes’ where visitors can clear out cannabis without facing any consequences. Cannabis remains illegal in all areas of some airports, including Denver International Airport.
Tip: O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport are the other airports that feature amnesty boxes.
Does the TSA care if you fly with edibles?
The truth is that TSA doesn’t care about weed or edibles you carry! Their primary aim is to search for liquids, weapons, bombs, or other items that might put passengers on a plane in danger. Although the TSA doesn’t directly regulate edibles, there are some policies and procedures you should be aware of when flying with edibles. If they find edibles in your possession, they might report it to local law enforcement officials.
But there are no set rules for the punishment you will get. But you must know that some individuals served jail time for bringing or consuming marijuana on an airplane. TSA officials sometimes ask you to throw away edibles if they find it locate it. It is true for cannabis products in minimal quantities, such as an ounce of dank-dried flower.
How can you get edibles through airport security?
We already mentioned that TSA wouldn’t be searching for your stash of marijuana chocolate; they’re concerned about items that endanger the lives of passengers. So, edibles are cannabis items that evade airport security quickly because they look like snacks. According to TSA, you can bring solid food items (but not liquids or gels) on board in your carry-on luggage or checked baggage.
So, better to leave your weed beverages at home and pack your edibles in something unnoticeable (and odor-proof), and you may easily clear the security check.
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How to pack edibles in your checked bag
If cannabis is your medicine, traveling without it may seem impossible. So, before flying with edibles, take the following precautions.
- Avoid their original packaging. That packaging most likely has one or more labels proving that the contents contain cannabis.
- Put your edibles in a non-medicated, discrete package. For instance, put your THC gummies or pills in an empty bag of an empty medicine bottle or a vitamin jar, or regular gummies.
- Put your edibles in an odor-resistant container. Although edibles do not smell unpleasant as flowers, an experienced officer or a police dog may detect the odor if they check thoroughly.
- Take only the quantity of weed you need. If you get arrested, you should have as little as possible to avoid a hefty penalty or getting charged with possession to distribute or sell.
Read the comprehensive guide on can you bring weed on a plane!
Can you consume edibles before a flight?
Are you feeling nervous about flying? You might feel like having edibles before that. But if you pop one in, it is at your own risk. If the airport officials feel suspicious, they may ask you to take a drug test. The consequences of failing the test depend on the laws of that state or the locality. Also, the pilot won’t allow you to fly if you appear intoxicated or shows indications of being under the influence of drugs. The pilot will give exceptions only to a patient under medical care.
Can you fly with edibles If you possess a medical marijuana card?
Unfortunately, there are no exceptions, even if you have a medical marijuana card.
Can you fly with edibles between two states where cannabis is legal?
No. Cannabis is still illegal on a federal level, and airports and airplanes are under federal jurisdiction. So, you cannot travel with edibles between two states even if the state laws allow the usage of cannabis.
Know the do’s and don’ts of bringing alcohol on a plane
The bottom line
Though some states have legalized weed, it is never safe to carry edibles while flying. It is because airports and airplanes come under federal law. As a result, carrying edibles on a plane is still risky, but you get to decide whether it’s worth it. Suppose you’re traveling to a place where cannabis is legal. In that case, we recommend leaving edibles at home and buying them when you reach your destination.
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