Can you travel with cannabis in the United States of America? While states like Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington may have legalized it, cannabis is still federally prohibited.
So cannabis may be legal in some states. But it is still a controlled substance, according to Washington D.C.
(Even though the residents living in the District of Columbia voted to legalize it in 2015, Congress has denied them access to retail, and so a robust grey market has popped up).
It may be legal to possess and use cannabis within the borders of a legal state, but it is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines.
What About Flying?
So you cannot drive from Colorado to Washington with legal cannabis. But what about if you fly on a direct flight? You’d be taking off from one legal state and landing in another. So what’s the issue?
Unfortunately, even a direct flight from Colorado to Washington counts as crossing state lines. Airports and airlines are federally regulated. Ergo, they’re subject to federal laws.
Like crossing the border to Canada from a legal state, you will face penalties if you have cannabis. The feds consider borders their jurisdiction.
But what if – for example – you fly within Colorado?
Or any other legal state? Therefore, you’re not crossing any state lines.
Travelling with cannabis within Colorado (i.e. not crossing state lines) is valid and legal. When it comes to air travel, a lot will depend on the kind of flying you’ll be doing. And where you’ll be doing it.
For example, LAX has said they won’t go after people with less than an ounce.
However, most airports are federal property. And like the border, federal law will overrule state law, even when it’s unconstitutional.
You can theoretically travel by air within the United States with cannabis. If it’s a small chartered, private plane, and you know the pilot, odds are, there won’t be anyone sniffing around your bags.
But that’s a rare case. And not technically legal. In most cases, you’ll get the Chicago treatment.
O’Hare International Airport has “pot amnesty” boxes by their security checkpoints. The idea is that travellers who may have arrived with legal cannabis products and didn’t realize they couldn’t fly with them have a safe space to trash their goods.
The city of Chicago owns the boxes, and the police maintain them.
But as far as getting caught by security, such as the TSA, your experience may vary. The TSA website states, “TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs.”
Travel with Cannabis in the United States – Different Rules Between States
Further complicating travel with cannabis in the United States is all the different rules between the legal states.
For example, in California, you can carry up to an ounce of cannabis. In Colorado, it’s two ounces. In Maine, it’s three ounces.
And these rules are subject to change. However, since crossing state lines with cannabis is considered illegal, you technically shouldn’t have to worry about how much cannabis you have on you. Any amount is too much, according to the authorities.
Wait – is it really illegal to drive from New York to New Jersey with cannabis?
Yes. If you work in NYC, pick up some weed for the night, and then drive over the George Washington Bridge or through the Lincoln Tunnel to return to your New Jersey home, you’ve committed a federal offense.
Transporting cannabis across state lines is considered a federal offense because cannabis is still a controlled substance under federal law.
But doesn’t this violate states’ rights?
Yes, but thanks to that “Commerce Clause,” Washington D.C. has every opportunity to undermine the state sovereignty.
What About Medical Cannabis or CBD?
Can You Travel with Cannabis in the United States if it’s medical or legal CBD? Technically yes, but there are some things to consider.
So long as your CBD product contains no more than 0.3 percent THC, it is legal to fly with. This is because CBD is legal federally, thanks to the 2018 Farm Bill.
(If your CBD is in liquid form, you’ll still be bound by whatever carry-on policy the airline or TSA has at the moment).
This area is a little trickier since there is no official federal government medical cannabis program. Thus, no official “medical cannabis I.D.” the TSA can verify.
Generally, you can’t travel on a domestic flight with medical cannabis. Since even medical cannabis is considered a controlled substance by the U.S. feds.
Even if you’re confident a TSA agent won’t confiscate your medical cannabis, some airlines, like American Airlines, have banned all cannabis, including medical cannabis, from flights.
Can You Travel with Cannabis in the United States?
Short answer, no. You can drive from spot to spot within a legal state. And you may be able to travel with cannabis within the United States on a private chartered plane. But in general, you do not want to cross state lines with cannabis. Even if you’re going from one legal state to another.
Fall is the time county fairs, carnivals, and more come to time…while engaging in the fun, there are few tip to know if you are going to consuming marijuana
September is a highlight for country fairs followed by October for the Halloween carnivals. Elephant ears, Ferris wheels and midways all appeal to our childlike delight for fun, excitement, different foods and more. But what if you want to chill out while attending? Well here are key tips for consuming marijuana at the local fair?
With over 50% of the country having access to legal marijuana, some are taking it for granted like it a beer and is accepted everywhere. But it is wise to think ahead, especially since you are with large groups of people – including families and kids. The Minnesota State Fair is the largest daily attended fair and the Texas State Fair, which is the largest in the country by total attendance, drew a peak daily attendance in 2023 of 141,410 but a total attendance of 2,341,449. Some parts of the fair are geared for kids, others for a mixed crowd, like the pirate ship and roller coasters.
Fairs are a sensation extravaganza. The lights, noises, movements, smells and food appeal to all the senses. The midway is the main path or street fairgoers walk along to find sideshows, concession stands, and other amusements.
The first thing is be discreet, fairs are family events. Consider a vape or gummies over smoking. They provide less smell, so are less noticeable. With a vape you can also manage your high.
If you are new to consuming marijuana, consider a low level high so you aren’t overwhelmed by the mass amount of sensations. It will also let you experience both things without freaking out. Part of a gummy might put you in the right spot to absorb everything going on and appreciate it at the next level.
The fair is about food, so know if you are prone to the munchies, this will be a fiesta of flavors. Consider eating beforehand or know this will be a cheat day. From fried butter to hot dogs, it is all going to look good.
Start slow on the rides. Let the high settle into your mind and body before boarding the scrambler. This gives your body time to adjust so there isn’t any unpleasant surprises.
Some fun fact, cotton candy was originally called “fairy floss” and was invented in 1897 by candy makers William Morris and John C. Wharton of Nashville, Tennessee. It was introduced in 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair.
Summer is winding down. A mindset seems to change after Labor Day things are more fall than summer. But the sun is still shining, the temperatures are still up, the water still warm and life is still good. So why not take a moment and really enjoy it and mix in a little extra with marijuana. Here are 5 weed friendly last of summer activities to make “pre-fall” extra fun.
A long walk or hike can let the mind wander and observe the wonders of nature. The THC will let you relax and get exercise. Pick an easy movement right, don’t litter and settle into let you mind explore nature. The serenity of the outdoors will seep into your brain and body.
While it is warm, it is great time to be on or near the water. There is something about water, the feel, the smell, the gentle movements that are enticing. Just watching the water while high can bring a certain serenity your brain. Kick back and enjoy a vape, gummy or beverage and make sure don’t over indulge while near or in the water.
Lose yourself in a film
Photo by JESHOOTS-com via Pixabay
Losing yourself in a film is a year round activity, but if you have been busy during the summer, now is the time to plop on the couch, have a bit of a hit and watch the summer blockbusters….and maybe more the watch – really feel them. And by enjoying them know, it frees up to prep for the fall and winter movies and streaming about to hit.
Weed makes visual experiences better and emotional ones deeper, which is why watching a movie while high can feel much stronger than if you were to watch it sober. The same applies to a visit to a museum or an art gallery. While you might annoy your friend or whoever you’re with your deep musings, you will for sure be having a great time.
Picnics are great, but high picnics are the best. Plan for a day alone or with friends spent at the park of your choosing, sharing a joint and eating delicious finger food. The more you plan it, the better, giving you the chance to bring speakers, a better selection of food, and more.
It is an odd, odd one – this year election is all over the board, especially for marijuana
This presidential election is turning out to be one for the history books. With Biden dropping out, a Kennedy becoming a major player, AI, and a nation on edge, it is becoming a year which is flustering the public. Few expect a clear outcome the night of the election and worries abound for the results. One key group worried is the cannabis industry, the presidential elections are all over the board for marijuana.
While state legalization is increasing and consumer use is significantly growing, federal restrictions along with chaos in New York and California caused the industry to crash in 2022 and it has struggled ever since. The Biden administration’s last minute push to follow through on the 2020 campaign to help the industry has become a dud. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has delayed any action until December, guaranteeing zero industry support for 2024. While all this is bad news, the candidates positions involve and change.
Photo by KellyJHall/Getty Images
In the GOP camp, the presidential nominee has been indifferent toward marijuana. While he doesn’t drink, he seems to flow with popular opinion. He just posted support of recreational legalization in Florida (against his foe DeSantis) and seems to be positive toward the industry. But his team has made it clear cannabis is bad. The GOP Vice President candidate has not be a fan, voted against in the Senate and has been quiet on his stance. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) is taking the place of Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in trying to be a cannabis killer.
The GOP has an “extra man” in Robert Kennedy,Jr who has been positioned as a top tier leader. Kennedy is pro marijuana and recently attacked the Democratic Presidential candidate for her history against marijuana.
In the Democratic team, Biden was very slow in supporting the industry. Aside from pardons, which helped some individuals, it took 3 years for him to make a move. Thousands of small mom and pop businesses in the industry placed hope in him, but have had struggled to pay bills. A seasoned policy lawmaker, it seems Biden’s team played a reschedule date game to see if they can convince younger voters. When it wasn’t needed, the DEA left the cannabis industry to twist in the wind. Harris has changed from being anti-marijuana during her time in California to being seemingly open to increased legalization. She has brought it up in her campaign, but it isn’t a major policy plank.
The only clear record is the Democratic Vice Presidential Tim Walz. As Governor of Minnesota, he has been a clear champion of legal cannabis. He seems to understand the medical benefits, the economic value to states, how it supports mom and pop businesses, can help veterans and reduces crime. He seems to be the only real champion.