Can You Fly with Cannabis?

If cannabis is legal in your state and the one you’re flying to, you might think it’s okay to take it with you on your flight. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t that simple.
 

The Legal Landscape: Is Flying with Cannabis Allowed?

Cannabis laws are tricky, especially when it comes to air travel. Although there may be rare cases where bringing marijuana on certain flights between legal jurisdictions is technically allowed, these situations are extremely limited. In most other cases, carrying cannabis on a flight can land you in legal trouble.

Here’s the key point: Cannabis is still considered illegal at the federal level. It’s classified as a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), as of April 2025.

While some states have legalized or decriminalized cannabis, federal laws apply on certain lands, including airports that receive federal funding. This means federal rules may override state laws in these locations—even if marijuana is legal in the state.
 

What Are the Risks?

At the federal level, penalties for possessing cannabis can be very serious. For example, bringing even one cannabis plant onto federal property can result in felony charges, with punishments like a minimum of five years in prison and fines reaching up to $250,000 for a first offense.

Additionally, products containing more than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive chemical in cannabis)—including CBD edibles or drinks—fall under federal restrictions.
 

TSA and Cannabis: What You Need to Know

The Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, manages airport security across the U.S. While TSA agents focus primarily on security threats (like weapons or explosives), they don’t actively search for cannabis.

However, if they happen to find cannabis while checking passengers’ bags, they may report it to local police. Whether you’ll face legal consequences depends on the cannabis laws of the state you’re in.

Bonus Tip: You don’t have to worry about airport sniffer dogs detecting cannabis anymore. Many of these dogs are no longer trained to respond to the smell of marijuana, thanks to legalization in several states.
 

Planning to Fly with Cannabis? Do Your Homework!

If you’re set on flying with cannabis, take the time to research the laws of every state and airport you’ll pass through. Here are some helpful tips:
 

• Know the Airport Rules. Some airports, such as those in California and New York, allow passengers to carry legal amounts of cannabis. However, others—like those in Denver and Las Vegas—prohibit it, despite cannabis being legal in their states.
• Travel Light. If cannabis is legal where you’re going and you still decide to bring it, stay within possession limits and avoid carrying large quantities. If your state requires a medical marijuana card, make sure to carry it with you.
• Use Amnesty Boxes. Some airports provide “amnesty boxes” for travelers. These are containers where you can safely dispose of cannabis or other items without fear of being arrested. They’re useful if, for example, you realize you’re traveling to a state with strict marijuana laws, like Kansas.
• Play It Safe. If cannabis isn’t legal at your destination, it’s better not to risk it. You can always purchase cannabis locally after arriving in a state where it’s legal.

 

Final Thoughts

Flying with cannabis can be risky, given the patchwork of federal and state laws. If you’re unsure whether it’s safe to bring cannabis on your flight, call the airport or research local and state regulations beforehand. When in doubt, it’s safer to leave it behind or wait until you arrive at your destination.

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