Everything you should know before traveling with cannabis

Although cannabis is legal in many states, transporting it across state lines is illegal, even if you have a medical cannabis card. Cannabis laws also vary internationally, which can pose challenges to medical cannabis users who plan to travel abroad.

It’s important to know the laws and guidelines on traveling with cannabis, whether by plane, car, or public transportation.

Can you fly with weed?

It’s illegal to fly with cannabis, even if you have a medical card. Cannabis is federally illegal, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) adheres to federal rather than state laws.

However, in recent years, the TSA has confirmed that TSA agents do not actively search for cannabis in your luggage. This means they are no longer focused on finding and prosecuting people who fly with cannabis.

Still, if a TSA agent does happen to find cannabis, they are legally required to report it to local law enforcement, which can lead to confiscation and, in some cases, criminal charges.

Some airports have set up cannabis amnesty boxes, offering an easy and legal way to dispose of cannabis before going through security. They exist under an amnesty clause, which means that disposing of cannabis does not put you at any risk of criminal charges. However, only a few airports in the U.S. have implemented cannabis amnesty boxes to date.

Can you fly with weed from legal state to legal state?

It’s strictly illegal to cross state lines while possessing cannabis, even if you’re traveling from one legal state to another, and even if you have a medical card.

This law applies to all forms of transportation, including:

• Air travel
• Boat travel
• Car travel
• Travel by public transportation, including buses, trains, and ferries

If you’re caught transporting cannabis across state lines, you may face federal criminal charges, which can be more severe than state criminal charges.

Medical cannabis cardholders may be able to purchase cannabis in their destination state through a reciprocity program. This allows out-of-state residents to purchase cannabis from a dispensary as long as they have their medical card with them. However, not all states offer reciprocity to visitors.

Can you travel with cannabis by car?

If you’re traveling within a state that has legalized medical cannabis, you’re permitted to have cannabis in your car as long as you have your medical card accessible.

However, most state laws require that cannabis be kept in a closed container somewhere out of reach, like your car’s glove box, while driving. Also, some states have strict limits on how much cannabis you can possess in a vehicle.

If you’re traveling in a rented car, you’ll need to check local laws as well as the rules of the rental company. This is especially important in states that have not legalized cannabis for recreational use.

That said, it’s illegal to use cannabis while driving or to drive while intoxicated. Should you get caught, you’re at risk of potentially harsh criminal charges.

Can you travel with cannabis via public transportation?

No laws prohibit traveling with cannabis on a public transportation vehicle, such as a bus or train.

However, while intrastate public transportation, like local buses, may not actively enforce cannabis laws, many major carriers, including Amtrak, Greyhound, and interstate bus/train/ferry systems, operate under federal regulation, meaning cannabis is prohibited onboard.

Can you travel with other types of cannabis products?

Cannabis products made from hemp-derived cannabinoids, including cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (delta-8 THC), are federally legal.

This means that certain travel-related laws may not apply to these products in the same way as traditional cannabis (sometimes called marijuana).

However, several states have banned intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids like delta-8 THC. This means that traveling with these types of cannabinoids can still be risky.

Can I take CBD on a plane?

It’s legal to fly with CBD products in your luggage, but it’s best to keep them in their original labeled packaging so that the TSA does not confuse them with traditional cannabis products.

Can you fly with delta-8?

Products that contain delta-8 THC and other intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoids are federally legal. So, you’re allowed to bring them onto a plane, but you should keep them in their original packaging.

That said, some states have banned intoxicating hemp products. This means that you might not be able to legally enter these states with these products in your possession.

Can you travel internationally with cannabis?

It’s illegal to bring cannabis into another country. Doing so puts you at a high risk of criminal charges that vary depending on where you’re traveling to.

For example, it’s illegal to possess any cannabis product, including CBD products, in Indonesia. A first-time offense is punishable by a minimum of 4 years in jail.

If you’re traveling to a country where cannabis is legal, you may be able to purchase it legally during your stay, but you still should not travel with cannabis between countries.

Tips for traveling with medical cannabis

If you’re planning a trip, consider these cannabis travel tips:

• Bring your medical cannabis card: In some states, having your medical cannabis card allows you to purchase cannabis from a local dispensary as a visitor.
• Store your products properly: The law requires you to keep your cannabis products sealed and stored away when not in use.
• Check local laws: Different countries, states, counties, and cities have their own cannabis laws regarding possession limits, public consumption, and more. Before you travel, thoroughly check the laws of your destination.

Are there any all-inclusive weed-friendly resorts?

Some states and countries offer cannabis-themed tourist attractions, travel guides, and resorts:

• Ganja Vacations helps you plan a cannabis-themed trip to Jamaica, connecting you with cannabis-friendly resorts and spas, as well as local dispensaries and weed-related events.
• The Cannabis Experience is a Denver-based tour company that brings you to cannabis-themed attractions on a bus that doubles as a legal cannabis lounge.
• Bud and Breakfast helps you find cannabis-friendly travel accommodations all over the world.

The bottom line: Know the laws on traveling with cannabis 

Rules and laws around traveling with cannabis vary depending on your destination and mode of transportation. It’s essential to research these rules and laws carefully to avoid any potential legal trouble.

In some states, having a medical card is the only way to purchase from a local dispensary as an out-of-state visitor. Schedule an appointment with Leafwell to start the process of getting your medical card online.

Resources

• Cannabis and driving. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/driving.html
• Indonesia international travel information. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Indonesia.html
• TSA: What can I bring? https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/all?page=28

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