Weed Seeds: Airport Security's Strict Scrutiny?

Airports have strict cannabis control. Marijuana is on the no-fly list and is not permitted in travel bags, despite the growing number of US states where it is legal. While TSA officers are required to report any suspected cannabis-related breaches, it is not a top priority for them. Passengers with medical prescriptions for cannabis have reported being able to travel with it, but without a prescription, you are likely to face legal trouble if caught with it in a place where it is banned. Some airports have amnesty boxes where you can dispose of your cannabis before going through the TSA checkpoint.

Hiding weed seeds in luggage

Firstly, you could put the seeds in your checked luggage. This option gives you more flexibility in terms of hiding places. Suggested spots include inside a pair of socks, in a trouser pocket, or in a bag of trail mix. If you are concerned about the seeds being stolen, you could also try hiding them in an old CD case by disassembling the case, tucking the seeds inside, and then reassembling the case.

Alternatively, you could put the seeds in your carry-on luggage. This option is riskier, as you will have to pass through security checkpoints. However, it is worth noting that TSA employees are typically not looking for weed, but for weapons and explosives. If you choose this option, you could try putting the seeds in a medicine bag with other loose objects, or in a pouch made of organic fibres, which you can then place in your carry-on with other random items such as magazines, deodorant, pens, and paper.

In general, it is advisable to keep the quantity of seeds you are transporting to a minimum, and to avoid attracting attention to yourself by packing your stash properly and remaining calm and collected.

TSA's stance on marijuana

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is not actively looking for marijuana when you go through airport security. However, if they find marijuana, they may refer you to local law enforcement, as marijuana is illegal under federal law and the TSA is part of a federal agency.

TSA officers are required to report any suspected violations of the law to local, state, or federal authorities. Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, are illegal under federal law. TSA officers are required to refer the matter to a law enforcement officer if they observe a substance that appears to be marijuana during security screening.

The official TSA stance on marijuana, including medical marijuana, confirms that it remains illegal under federal law. The TSA states:

> TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other drugs. In the event a substance that appears to be marijuana is observed during security screening, TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.

TSA's screening procedures are focused on security and are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers. They are concerned about dangerous threats such as explosives and not with enforcing laws and penal codes. Therefore, they do not check for arrest warrants, for example.

While TSA agents are not actively searching for marijuana, it is still illegal to bring it on a plane due to its federal status. Marijuana with over 0.3% THC is a Schedule I drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970. As airport security is controlled by federal employees, attempting to bring marijuana through security can be problematic.

The federal legalization of hemp products and CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC has created a grey area that can make it difficult for TSA officers to distinguish between legal and illegal cannabis products. Edibles, vape cartridges, and creams or oils may be harder to detect than marijuana in its natural flower state. However, if discovered, TSA officers will refer the matter to law enforcement, regardless of the form of marijuana.

In summary, while TSA officers are not actively searching for marijuana, they will report it if discovered. The consequences of being caught with marijuana at the airport can vary depending on local laws and policies. Some airports have amnesty boxes for passengers to dispose of marijuana products before entering the secured area. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the security checkpoint.

Marijuana amnesty boxes at airports

Amnesty boxes are typically the size of a garbage can and are vividly coloured – often blue or green. A “cannabis amnesty box” sign should be clear and attached to the front side of the can. The seal of the city or state should also be found on the box, further confirming the legal nature of the disposal unit.

While cannabis legalization has spread across America, cannabis amnesty boxes haven't been as widespread. To date, only a few US airports have installed cannabis product amnesty boxes. These include:

• O'Hare International Airport (Chicago)
• Midway International Airport (Chicago)
• Harry Reid International Airport (Las Vegas)
• Colorado Springs (Colorado)
• Aspen County Airport (Colorado)
• Pitkin County Airport (Colorado)

The rarity of these boxes may be due to the fact that federal law still prohibits the plant, including travelling with any of its products. This means that, despite local legalization, travellers could still face consequences if caught with cannabis products at the airport.

For example, at Los Angeles International Airport, LAX warns travellers that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening stations fall under federal jurisdiction, which could lead to criminal penalties, including asset seizure, fines, and possible jail time. On the other hand, Portland International Port Police will seize recreational cannabis on trips over the state line, but medical cannabis travellers with a valid state-issued card are allowed to pass through security with a legal quantity of cannabis.

The varying policies across airports and states can be confusing for travellers. As such, it is recommended to check the airport's website ahead of time to understand their policies on cannabis amnesty boxes and the transportation of cannabis products.

Major airlines' ban on cannabis

Major airlines continue to ban cannabis from flights. Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, for example, warn their passengers that any form of marijuana, even medical marijuana, is illegal under federal law. If discovered, passengers will be referred to law enforcement authorities. This is because, despite the growing number of legal states in the U.S., marijuana is still federally illegal and is on the no-fly list.

While TSA officers are not actively looking for marijuana, if they do discover it, they are required to report any suspected cannabis-related breaches to the authorities. The consequences of getting caught with marijuana at the airport vary. The TSA officer may simply throw it out, or the passenger may be fined, cited, or arrested. It is important to note that the outcome depends on the local laws and ordinances of the airport and state laws.

Some airports in the U.S. have installed cannabis amnesty boxes, allowing passengers to dispose of their cannabis products before going through TSA checkpoints. These can be found at airports such as Colorado Springs Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). At LAX, local officers do not have jurisdiction to arrest individuals complying with state cannabis law, but passengers are reminded that TSA screening stations are under federal jurisdiction.

International travel with marijuana is not advised, as the penalties can be severe. Federal law prohibits transporting marijuana across borders, and some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession.

Tricks to sneak weed seeds past airport security

While it is possible to sneak weed seeds past airport security, it is important to remember that doing so may be illegal and could result in serious consequences if caught. With that said, here are some tricks that people have reportedly used to sneak weed seeds past airport security:

• Hiding them in checked luggage: Put the seeds in a checked bag or throw them randomly in your carry-on bag if you don't have checked luggage. If they are found, claim they are souvenirs and say nothing else as they are not illegal in most places.
• Hiding them in food items: Cut a tiny hole in a bag of trail mix, slip the seeds in, and then seal the bag in a ziplock bag with other snacks. Alternatively, put the seeds in an opened bag of snacks, such as a trail mix or granola bar, that looks like you've been eating from it but is tied closed.
• Hiding them in clothing: Roll the seeds up in socks or super-glue them to articles of clothing, shoes, or hats.
• Hiding them in a medicine bag: Put the seeds in a medicine bag with other loose objects and keep it in your carry-on bag.
• Hiding them in a CD case: Disassemble a CD case, tuck the seeds inside, and then reassemble the case.
• Mailing them: Instead of carrying them on your person, mail the seeds to yourself using a random name and address from the same city.
• Coating them in wax: Melt down different-coloured candle wax, dip each seed into the melted wax, and let it harden. Repeat the process to make the seeds larger and more bead-like.
• Hiding them in a coin purse: Put the seeds in a coin purse or wallet with coins, folded bills, and other small items.

Remember that attempting to sneak weed seeds through airport security comes with risks, including potential legal consequences if caught. It is essential to consider the laws and regulations of the countries or states you are travelling to and from, as well as the potential impact on your safety and well-being.

Frequently asked questions