Is it legal to send marijuana or edibles through the mail? The legalities of traveling and shipping cannabis or products made from it can be overwhelmingly confusing. There are many things to consider, and these are important to know especially for medical patients who rely on cannabis for managing diseases, have trouble getting to a dispensary near you, or need to dispose of marijuana after traveling to a cannabis-friendly state.
The short answer is: no, it’s illegal to ship marijuana products and edibles within the United States. At the time of writing, marijuana is still a federally illegal substance which means that it is illegal in the eyes of the federal government. The United States Postal Service (USPS), as well as other private postage companies, are managed and controlled by the government. If there is any criminal activity that has been discovered, coursed through the mail, it can lead to federal criminal offenses, which are discussed in the United States Code 1716.
Individuals who are caught shipping marijuana even from one legal state to another can be prosecuted by the federal government. This can also lead to state charges based on the quantity of illegal drugs. However, if you are caught mailing cannabis within a state where cannabis is already legal, the best course of action would be to seek the help of a drug defense attorney.
The current law states that shipping 50 kilos of marijuana through the UPS can lead to as much as 5 years in prison with a fine of up to $250,000. Both FedEx and UPS don’t allow shipping products that are not federally legal, though the USPS has to get a search warrant while FedEx, UPS, and other private couriers don’t. That means that they can open your package if they think that it’s necessary to do so. Keep in mind that postage workers are also given a reward, sometimes to the tune of $50,000, if they are able to identify packages that contain marijuana and report the people behind it.
Edibles
Since many people have been able to get away with traveling internationally with edibles in their suitcase, you may think that it’s okay to mail it. However, the answer is still no.
Edibles with THC is still federally illegal, and since the US postal service is an agency of the federal government, anyone caught can be subject to hefty fines and may even risk jail time. Both the recipient and the shipper can be punished.
Hemp and CBD
Mailing raw hemp plants can only be done legally for pre-approved individuals or companies within the United States. The UPS can already accept any product made from hemp as well as CBD, based on state and federal laws. However, the responsibility of ensuring compliance is all in the hands of the shipper, so it’s best to research the current Food, Drugs, & Cosmetics Act.
According to the Hemp Farming Act of 2018, CBD is legally considered as any product made from hemp which contains under 0.3% THC. Even though CBD can be produced from other plants that have a higher THC content, only a few places can legally sell CBD made from marijuana as opposed to hemp. But CBD products aren’t as tightly regulated in areas where recreational or medical marijuana has already been legalized.
One also has to keep in mind that CBD must be legal in the place of origin as well as its destination. There are still some states that unfortunately prohibit the sales of CBD products while complex restrictions in various locations can make shipping more confusing than it should be.
Currently, the USPS requires businesses that ship CBD to make sure that all state, federal, and local laws have been complied with though this isn’t limited to the THC content in each product. The proper documentation is also critical for compliance. This is why it’s become easy for online cannabis businesses to ship out raw hemp or other hemp-based products.
It’s also important to note that marijuana businesses are treated differently compared to individuals who may want to ship marijuana, hemp, or edibles for personal reasons. Again, while many people have gotten away with doing so in the past, remember that this could be a matter of luck. You would have to ask if getting caught would be worth it. After all, if you are traveling to a destination where it’s legal for recreational use, you’re better off just buying it there.
Since the laws regarding the transportation of marijuana is constantly changing, the best thing to do would be to consult a lawyer before you try to do so yourself. This can save you the headaches and legal trouble that could arise out of doing it incorrectly or illegally.
Legal States
Buying marijuana and THC products online is easy to do so in states where it’s legal. Heck, you could even have it delivered straight to your door with no questions asked except that you do have to prove you are at least 21 years of age to do so. Additionally, city and state laws may vary especially when it comes to the amount that you can buy, own at home, and where you can smoke cannabis.
Many licensed dispensaries provide safe and secure options for purchasing marijuana online and having it delivered. Just be sure that you are buying from a company that is reputable. As always, research the current laws in your area.
If going the family Thanksgiving route, these gatherings can sometimes be stressful, especially when dealing with relatives you don’t see often or navigating potentially tense conversations. Marijuana can help reduce anxiety and create a more relaxed atmosphere. Microdosing is a popular trend with the younger generations, and it could be helpful in during the holiday. Numerous studies have demonstrated that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can effectively reduce anxiety. By helping to calm nerves and ease social tension, cannabis can contribute to a more pleasant and harmonious family gathering.
It has been a rough few months for the cannabis industry…could Big Alcohol help during another rough patch?
The cannabis industry was worth $33 billion in 2023 and is filled with mom and pop businesses. With the majority of the population having access to legal marijuana, consumer use is up, states are filling their coffers, and more patients are using medical marijuana. It has become so mainstream, even the staid AARP has acknowledge a signifiant portion of boomers are using it for medical reasons. But federal restrictions are crippling the industry, despite the growth. The industry needs federal help, can Big Alcohol help the cannabis industry. Alcohol is in a majority of grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, resorts, planes and homes. They understand the consumers and sell $260 billion in booze a year, not counting the second level market up. The alcohol industry spends over $20 million annually on lobbying, a drop compared to the $220+ million pharmaceutical spends, but an impressive amount. But Congress, the DEA, and members of the administration are not fans…and help is needed.
Alcohol has a $14+ billion investment in the industry and has a voice in the Congress. Cannabis is a brand and revenue extension for alcohol rather than a competitor. A major change in the beverage industry came with the introduction of purified waters by PepsiCo (Aquafina) in 1994 and Coca-Cola (Dasani) in 1999. Seeing it as way to reach more consumers and revenue, the two soda giants are now the owners of the top two bottled water companies in the North America. WIth a stake in the outcome, the big liquor companies could guide Congress to open up more for cannabis. This would provide both industries access to more customers and more revenue for everyone, including government entities.
“While alcohol and cannabis can play in the same sandbox, we more often see consumers using cannabis as a replacement for more harmful substances like alcohol. In cannabis, we find a paradigm shift—entertainment and relaxation without the costs of alcohol’s physical and social tolls.” shares Jesse Redmond, managing director at Water Tower Research, LLC.
Like bottled water, alcohol could open up markets to an additional set of consumers. They have the expertise and relationships most cannabis businesses lack. Already, hemp beverage are in mainstream retailers like Total Wine (Texas) and in convenience stores.
The incoming administration has few cannabis champions with both the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate and the cabinet doesn’t seem to be focused on marijuana legalization at all. But the majority of members are a fan of booze and that can be used to marijuana’s advantage.
Both would benefit from product development, producing and marketing cannabis-infused beverages and edibles. From a marketing point of view it also makes sense consider the consumer reach. In addition, research shows that people often pair cannabis with alcohol rather than replacing one with the other. The proportion of consumers pairing cannabis with spirits or liquor increased from 12% in 2018 to 22% in 2022. The next 14 months will shape the cannabis industry path for years to come, let’s see if Big Alcohol plays a role.
The holidays can be festive, fun and heartwarming – but for some, there is too much family drama….microdosing could make it better.
Carols, gifts, parties, festive meals with favorite foods are all part of hte holiday season. But even in the best circumstances, there could be stress. Some 89% say concerns around money, missing loved ones and anticipating family conflict cause them stress at this time of year. But roughly have say it is moderate and may not be any more than the rest of the year. While family tend to provide a positive effect, if you look at Reddit, there are are plenty of causes of drama during hte holiday at gatherings. For those who are experiencing some level of stress, can mircodosing help manage holiday family anxiety? It could be a better solution than a half of a bottle of booze.
Microdosing marijuana can be an effective way to manage holiday anxiety, offering a subtle yet impactful approach to stress relief during the festive season. By consuming small amounts of cannabis, typically between 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC, individuals can experience the therapeutic benefits without feeling overly intoxicated.
Microdosing cannabis can provide several advantages for those dealing with holiday-related stress. Low doses of THC can activate the endocannabinoid system, potentially leading to decreased stress levels without causing an overwhelming high. This can be particularly helpful during family gatherings or social events that may trigger anxiety. It may alleviate the effects of social anxiety, allowing individuals to feel more relaxed and confident in social situations. This can be especially beneficial during holiday parties or family reunions.
Small amounts of cannabis can boost mood and social confidence, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday experience. Another benefit is may induce deep, natural sleep patterns without excessive grogginess, helping to combat short term holiday-related insomnia.
To microdose marijuana effectively for holiday anxiety, consider the following tips:
Start Low: Begin with a dose of 1 to 2.5 milligrams of THC and maintain this dosage for at least three days. If you’re new to cannabis, begin with an even lower dose and gradually work your way up.
Gradual Increase: If needed, slowly increase the dosage in 1 mg increments until you begin to feel the desired effects.
Consistency: Once you find an effective dose, stick with it for at least four days to assess its impact.
Choose the Right Product: CBD-dominant strains or products with balanced THC:CBD ratios may be more suitable for anxiety relief.
Consider Terpenes: Look for cannabis products containing terpenes like limonene, pinene, and beta-caryophyllene, which have stress-relieving properties
Timing is Key: Plan your microdose schedule around holiday events or stressful situations to maximize its effectiveness.
While microdosing can be beneficial, there are some general precautions. Consider potential interactions with alcohol or other medications you may be taking during the holidays. If you are some medications, it is important to talk to a health professional. And remember everyone reacts differently to cannabis, so what works for others may not work for you.
By incorporating microdosing into your holiday stress management strategy, you may find yourself better equipped to handle the pressures and anxieties that often accompany the festive season. This approach allows you to potentially benefit from the calming effects of cannabis while maintaining clarity and function during holiday activities and gatherings.