Jazmin Li
While airport scanners are not designed to detect THC edibles, travelling with them is illegal and can result in your edibles being confiscated or even legal repercussions. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs, but if any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, they may confiscate it or refer the matter to a law enforcement officer. The risk of legal repercussions is higher if a large amount of marijuana is discovered, if you are in a state where weed is illegal, or if the discovery is coupled with something else. Some airports, like O'Hare in Chicago, have amnesty boxes that allow travellers to dispose of their weed before security. Ultimately, it is up to the traveller to decide whether or not to bring THC edibles through airport security.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can airport scanners detect THC edibles? | No, airport scanners are not designed to detect THC edibles. |
| Can you carry THC edibles in your luggage? | Carrying THC edibles in your luggage is illegal, but the chances of getting arrested are low. |
| What are the TSA guidelines for carrying cannabis products? | The TSA allows cannabis products with no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis and those approved by the FDA. |
| What happens if THC edibles are found in your luggage? | If THC edibles are found, TSA officers may confiscate them, ask you to dispose of them, or refer the matter to law enforcement. |
| Are there any airports with amnesty boxes for weed? | Yes, some airports like O'Hare in Chicago have amnesty boxes that allow travelers to dispose of their weed before security. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA guidelines on cannabis products
Although TSA screening procedures are designed to detect potential threats to aviation and passengers, TSA security officers do not search for marijuana or other illegal drugs. If any illegal substance is discovered during security screening, the TSA will refer the matter to a law enforcement officer.
Marijuana and certain cannabis-infused products, including some cannabidiol (CBD) oil, remain illegal under federal law, except for products containing no more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis or those approved by the FDA. These are the only cannabis products permitted in checked bags or carry-on luggage.
While some sources suggest that the TSA does not care about THC or other drugs, especially in small quantities, others advise against carrying cannabis products through airport security due to varying marijuana laws in different states. Passengers are encouraged to check the laws of the states in which they plan to travel. Additionally, although security dogs at airports are no longer trained to detect the odor of marijuana, they may still do so.
It is worth noting that some airports have more lenient marijuana policies, while others, such as Denver International Airport and McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas, prohibit marijuana on their property. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the specific regulations of the airport and the local laws of the destination when considering traveling with cannabis products.
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X-ray machines and edibles
X-ray machines are used by edible producers to inspect their products for hazardous foreign objects, such as small metal pieces from equipment, personal items such as jewellery, or glass from other objects. This helps to ensure product safety and mitigate the risk of costly product recalls.
X-ray inspection also gives edible manufacturers the flexibility to use any kind of packaging material and enables full pack-for-pack traceability, allowing them to verify and prove the safety of each product that ships out.
Regarding airport X-ray machines, there are conflicting opinions on their ability to detect THC edibles. Some people claim that airport X-ray machines cannot distinguish between regular food and THC edibles, and that as long as the edibles are well-packaged and not in excessive amounts, they are unlikely to be detected. However, there are also anecdotes of people accidentally leaving THC edibles in their carry-on luggage without any consequences.
It is important to note that while TSA agents may not always confiscate THC edibles, they have the authority to do so and may take varying levels of action depending on the situation. Therefore, it is advisable to follow local laws and regulations regarding the transportation of THC products.
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Amnesty boxes at airports
An amnesty box or bin is a receptacle into which items can be placed without incurring consequences related to those items. They are often used for the disposal of drugs, weapons, fruit, invasive species, and animals.
Amnesty boxes have been installed at several airports to allow travellers to discard marijuana before going through security, as it is illegal to transport it across state lines. For example, Chicago's O'Hare and Midway International Airports have amnesty boxes for cannabis disposal, as cannabis is legal in Illinois but prohibited on commercial flights in the United States. Similarly, an amnesty box for cannabis is located at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, as most flights from the airport land at Denver International Airport, where cannabis is banned.
At some airports, amnesty bins are provided for agricultural reasons, to prevent the introduction of invasive plants and animals. For instance, airports in Hawaii have amnesty bins for arriving passengers to dispose of prohibited items, and at New Zealand airports, amnesty bins are used to help preserve the biosecurity of the country.
While amnesty boxes at airports provide travellers with a way to avoid legal trouble, they are not frequently used. For example, at Chicago's O'Hare and Midway airports, only a few dozen people have disposed of cannabis in the amnesty boxes since they were installed.
It is worth noting that while airport amnesty boxes are intended for the disposal of cannabis, they are not always effective in preventing the transportation of THC products. Some individuals have reported bringing THC edibles, gummies, mints, and cookies on domestic flights without issue, either by accident or intentionally. However, there is a risk of detection by drug-sniffing dogs or X-ray machines, and it is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines in the United States.
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International travel with edibles
As of 2025, federal restrictions are still in place that make travelling with cannabis by plane illegal, even when flying between two states where it is legal. However, some airports are relatively relaxed when it comes to cannabis, particularly on domestic flights. For example, Los Angeles International Airport will not arrest individuals if they do not exceed the legal amount in their possession (28.5 grams). Meanwhile, TSA agents at Boston Logan International Airport will likely confiscate and dispose of edibles but do have the option to call the police.
When flying internationally with edibles, it is important to be aware of the laws in both the departure and arrival countries. If caught, you can be charged in both countries, which could result in serious legal consequences. For example, one source mentions the risk of spending months or years in jail.
Some travellers have reported successfully taking THC edibles through airport security in their carry-on luggage or checked baggage. However, this may depend on the type of edible and the quantity. One source mentions that TSA agents are not usually on the lookout for a pack of gummies or weed chocolates. However, another source mentions that THC flowers should never be flown with as the smell cannot be hidden from sniffer dogs or most people.
Overall, while some travellers have successfully taken edibles on international flights, it is important to be aware of the legal risks involved and make an informed decision.
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Marijuana laws in the US
Cannabis is legal in 39 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use. Four out of five permanently inhabited US territories and the District of Columbia (DC) have also legalised its medical use. Ten other states have laws that limit the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), allowing access to products rich in cannabidiol (CBD). In states that allow recreational use, cannabis can usually be bought in licensed stores or dispensaries. Each state has rules about how much can be bought at a time, and laws about what forms can be used and where. For example, some states allow edible cannabis in public places, but not inhaled or smoked cannabis.
The Rohrabacher-Farr amendment, passed in 2014, prohibits federal prosecution of individuals complying with state medical cannabis laws. Seven states have decriminalised cannabis use, and commercial distribution has been legalised in all jurisdictions where possession has been legalised, except for Virginia and DC. Personal cultivation for recreational use is allowed in all of these jurisdictions except for Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, and Washington state.
Cannabinoid drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prescription use include Marinol and Syndros (synthetic THC), Cesamet (nabilone), and Epidiolex (CBD). For non-prescription use, products with less than 0.3% delta-9 THC, containing CBD, delta-8 THC, and other naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from hemp are allowed.
The FDA is reviewing data from healthcare professionals and patients who have used marijuana or other forms of cannabis for medical reasons. It has stated that cannabis is a low-risk threat to people's health, with a lower risk of misuse than other Schedule 1 drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. From 2024, cannabis may be moved to the less-restrictive Schedule III.
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Frequently asked questions
No, THC edibles are not allowed in carry-on luggage. Even if they are legal in your state, they are illegal to bring on a plane. However, if your edibles contain less than 0.3% THC, they are considered hemp and are allowed.
According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), their officers are trained to detect potential threats to aviation and are not looking for illegal drugs. If they find edibles, they may confiscate them, ask you to throw them away, or refer the matter to law enforcement.
Some airports provide amnesty boxes where travelers can dispose of their weed before security. Additionally, it is important to check your airline's policies, as some carriers, like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines, do not permit marijuana on their flights.
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