Cannabis Candies: Airport Security And Deduction Rules

Cannabis candies are a delightful category of cannabis-infused products that offer a unique and tasty way to experience the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD. However, the legality of these treats varies across different locations, and transporting them across state lines or international borders can lead to serious legal consequences. So, are cannabis candies deductible in airports?

Are cannabis candies legal in airports?

Cannabis candies, or edibles, are technically illegal to bring on a plane, even if they are legal in the state you are flying from or to. This is because airports and airplanes are under federal jurisdiction, and according to federal law, cannabis products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal.

However, Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers are not actively searching for cannabis products. They are trained to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers and are not looking for illegal drugs. If a TSA officer does find edibles during the screening process, they may confiscate them, ask you to throw them away in a cannabis amnesty box, or refer you to law enforcement. The likelihood of being arrested for carrying edibles in a US airport is low, but it is still illegal to do so.

Some airports have installed amnesty boxes where travellers can dispose of cannabis products without penalty. A few airports that have these boxes include Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport, O'Hare International Airport, and Chicago Midway International Airport.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding cannabis possession and transportation vary from state to state, and international travel with cannabis carries much higher risks. Always check the laws of your departure and arrival cities, as well as the airports and airlines you plan to use, to understand the specific regulations and requirements.

What happens if you're caught with cannabis candies in an airport?

If you're caught with cannabis candies in an airport, the repercussions may vary depending on the location and circumstances. Here's what you need to know:

Airport Policies and Procedures:

Firstly, it's important to understand that airports, regardless of state laws, are operated by the federal government and follow federal cannabis regulations. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it is illegal to bring any cannabis product containing more than 0.3% THC onto an aircraft or into a federally controlled airport. While TSA officers are not actively searching for drugs, if they discover cannabis candies during screening, they will handle the situation according to protocol.

Possible Outcomes:

The outcome of being caught with cannabis candies in an airport can vary. Here are some possible scenarios:

• Confiscation and Disposal: TSA officers may simply confiscate the cannabis candies and dispose of them. They may ask you to throw them away in a designated "amnesty box" or "cannabis amnesty bin," which some airports provide for travelers to dispose of cannabis products without facing legal consequences.
• Referral to Law Enforcement: If the amount of cannabis candies is significant, or if there are other concerning factors (such as large amounts of cash or prohibited items in your possession), TSA officers may involve law enforcement officers. The involvement of law enforcement does not necessarily mean an arrest, but it could lead to further investigation and potential legal consequences.
• Missing Your Flight: Regardless of the outcome, if you are caught with cannabis candies, you may end up missing your flight due to the time taken for inspections, disposal, or discussions with authorities.
• Legal Consequences: The legal repercussions can vary depending on the location and the amount of cannabis candies in your possession. In some cases, you may be arrested and prosecuted, especially if you are in a state where cannabis is illegal or if you are carrying an amount that exceeds the legal limit.

Recommendations:

To avoid any issues when travelling with cannabis products, it is highly recommended to follow federal regulations and not bring any cannabis candies containing more than 0.3% THC onto an aircraft or into an airport. If you need to travel with cannabis products, it is advisable to check the laws and regulations of your departure and arrival cities, as well as the specific airports and airlines involved. Additionally, always keep in mind that being intoxicated by cannabis or any other substance while trying to board a flight is prohibited.

What are the alternatives to cannabis candies for air travel?

While it is illegal to bring cannabis candies onto a plane, there are a few alternatives to consider for air travel.

Firstly, if you are travelling to a destination where cannabis is legal, you can simply purchase it upon arrival. This way, you can enjoy your cannabis products without the risk of flying with them.

Secondly, if you require cannabis for medical reasons, you may be able to take advantage of medical cannabis reciprocity. This allows patients with medical marijuana cards to purchase cannabis in their destination state, although they may need to apply for a new card that is valid in that state. It is important to note that the circumstances and allowed amounts vary, so be sure to research the specific laws of your destination before travelling.

Another alternative is to utilise delivery services. This option allows you to have cannabis products delivered to your destination, avoiding the need to transport them yourself.

Additionally, if you are set on travelling with cannabis products, it is important to know the laws of your departure and arrival cities, as well as the regulations of the specific airports and airlines you plan to use. While it is still illegal, some airports in states where cannabis is legal offer amnesty boxes where travellers can dispose of any cannabis products before going through security.

Remember, the safest option is always to leave your cannabis products at home and explore the local offerings at your destination. This ensures your trip is stress-free and allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation.

How do you travel with medical marijuana?

Firstly, it's important to note that even if you are a medical marijuana patient, the laws around travelling with cannabis vary depending on where you are and where you're going. In the US, the federal government still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, meaning anyone transporting it across state lines is committing a federal crime and can be charged with drug trafficking. This carries a minimum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the first offense.

However, some US states allow medical cannabis reciprocity, meaning patients with medical marijuana cards can enjoy similar privileges when travelling to another state. At the time of writing, the following states offered medical card reciprocity: Arizona, Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Nevada, South Dakota, and Rhode Island.

If you are travelling with CBD or hemp-derived cannabis products, bring documentation that supports their hemp origin.

When it comes to flying, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows the transport of prescribed, FDA-approved cannabis products as well as CBD products made from industrial hemp containing no more than 0.3% THC. TSA officers are not searching for your edibles, but if they discover any during screening, they will refer the matter to law enforcement.

If you are travelling with edibles purchased from a legal dispensary, leave them sealed and store them with items in similar wrapping. Don't try to hide them on your person as this will be detected and look more suspicious.

Some airlines, including Delta and American, have created specific policies prohibiting the transport of cannabis on their aircraft. Check your airline's baggage policies for any cannabis-specific information.

If you are driving, keep cannabis products locked in the trunk of your car. The sight or odour of cannabis can trigger a DUI investigation, and DUI penalties are steep and hard to disprove.

International Travel

International travel is a different story. Your risks increase exponentially if you try to take cannabis overseas. Each country has its own laws, and getting caught in a country where it's illegal can have serious ramifications.

What are the international travel restrictions on cannabis candies?

International travel restrictions on cannabis candies are stringent and vary across countries. In the United States, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) permits marijuana and CBD products in carry-on bags on domestic flights but prohibits them on international flights. This means that while you can travel with cannabis candies within the US, you cannot bring them into or out of the country by air.

Similarly, in Canada, despite the legalization of marijuana for recreational use, it is illegal to transport it across international borders, including when travelling to or from the US. This prohibition applies regardless of the quantity of cannabis carried or whether it is for medical use. Canadian travellers are warned not to attempt to cross the border with any form of cannabis, even in small amounts, and to be aware of the laws in their destination country.

In the United Kingdom, edibles with low levels of THC are generally permitted. Most edibles sold in the UK contain less than 0.2% THC, and only CBD products with a maximum of 0.2% THC are allowed to be sold as medicines. Other countries have zero tolerance for THC, so it is crucial to research the laws of your destination before travelling with cannabis candies or any form of edibles.

When travelling internationally with cannabis candies or edibles, it is essential to dispose of them before going through customs. Agreeing to a drug test at the border can also help speed up the clearance process. It is advisable to buy edibles from a licensed dispensary at your destination, as attempting to bring them across borders can result in serious criminal penalties, including a lifetime ban on entry to certain countries.

Frequently asked questions