People often ask me, “Can I travel with cannabis or marijuana?” I’m not sure what this says about me. Do people think because I’m from San Francisco where I’ve had a medical marijuana card for legit reasons for years I know a few things? Well, yes I do, and TSA just made it easier.

If you’re still reading it sounds like you want to know if you can travel with cannabis? My off-the-record-and-I-will-deny-this-conversation answer is technically, yes. And TSA just made it legal to travel with cannabis, but unfortunately, that doesn’t include all cannabis products.

What’s Legal

As of Memorial Day weekend, TSA now allows products/medications that contain hemp-derived CBD or are approved by the FDA in your carry on or checked luggage. This includes Epidolex, the only cannabis-based drug approved by the FDA and products like NuLeaf Naturals’ CBD hemp oils or hemp infused balms and creams from Charlotte’s Web.

And What’s Not so Legal

THC and non-hemp-derived CBD products/medications are considered illegal in the eyes of the federal government. Meaning even if you are traveling from California to Colorado, both states where medical marijuana is legal, it’s still illegal to carry these products.

READ: Items Savvy Travelers Pack That Many Forget

 

Traveling with Cannabis Advice

It’s not TSA’s main priority to bust you for carrying marijuana. There are no scanners to detect if you have Marijuana or other illegal drugs. However, if they go through your bag, because let’s say you left a bottle of water, and they find marijuana… you are no longer TSA’s problem; this is when the local law enforcement is called in.

Are there ways to potentially to travel with marijuana? Yes, as TSA would say, you’re on your own from here. Meaning I am not condoning or encouraging you to travel with illegal drugs. But if you do want to take the risk, here are some tips I’ve heard from friends:

  • Blend Naturally: Most edibles look like everyday food, so mix your edible candy/food in with regular food items
  • Size Matters: Be smart and only bring a small amount
  • Smelly Stuff: Do not travel with flowers as dogs and humans can easily smell it
  • Full Carry On: A messy carry on bag full of items can work to your advantage and don’t check anything as it is more likely to go through a more thorough search

Again, I am not telling you to try any of the tips and if you do, you do so at your own risk. Safe travels!

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Ciao,

Danielle

CEO and Chief Travel Concierge