As marijuana legalization gains momentum across the United States, travelers are left wondering about the rules surrounding cannabis use in airports. With federal law still prohibiting many pot products, even in states where it is legal, flying with marijuana can be a confusing and potentially risky endeavor.
A recent update to the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) website has shed some light on the matter. According to the updated policy, medical marijuana is allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. However, the TSA is quick to note that its primary focus is on ensuring airport security, not enforcing drug laws.
TSA security officers are not tasked with searching for illegal drugs, but if any illegal substances or evidence of criminal activity is discovered during security screening, they will refer the matter to law enforcement. This policy update was first pointed out by Jeremy Berke, founder and editor-in-chief of Cultivated Media, and was also noted by Tom Angell, a cannabis journalist at Marijuana Moment. Notably, the TSA website had previously included a similar message before the recent update.
Despite this clarification, travelers should still exercise caution when flying with marijuana products. It’s essential to familiarize oneself with the laws and regulations of both the departure and arrival states, as well as the TSA’s policies, to avoid any potential issues during security screening.
